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For most ordinary users, hardly anyone pays attention to what MAC or IP addresses are. Moreover, these two addresses are often confused with each other because they both imply an address. In this article, let's explore what MAC and IP addresses are. How do MAC addresses differ from IP addresses?
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What is a MAC address?
A MAC (short for Media Access Control Address) is a unique 12-digit hexadecimal identifier assigned to a NIC (Network Interface Controller). NIC, also known as a network card, helps identify devices connected to a specific network. As the name suggests, this network card provides an interface through which your device will connect to the Internet, either via WiFi or Ethernet cable.
MAC addresses help identify devices connected to a network. Source: Unsplash.
MAC addresses are assigned by NIC manufacturers, so these identification numbers are permanent. However, you can change your MAC address. Because MAC addresses are associated with network cards, they are also often referred to as physical addresses. MAC addresses are usually displayed in the form of 6 pairs of two digits or characters separated by colons (:), dashes (-), or periods (.) for easier readability. For example, a MAC address could be 3A:34:52:C4:69:B8. In this case, the first 3 pairs represent the organization's identifier, while the last 3 pairs identify a specific NIC.
MAC addresses are manufactured by NIC vendors and have nothing to do with Apple. Source: Unsplash.Although the term 'MAC' might make you think MAC addresses are related to Apple devices, that's not the case. Any device capable of connecting to the Internet has a MAC address. Therefore, a 5-year-old HP laptop, a smart speaker with Google Assistant support, a smart TV, or any other device you can connect to the Internet will have a MAC address.
What is an IP address?
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier assigned to a device connected to a local network or the Internet. An IP address can be likened to a home address, crucial for sending mail. Similarly, an IP address allows different devices to connect to a network and communicate. This is the address your computer will use to send and receive data.
IP addresses are likened to a computer's home address. Source: Unsplash.For example, if you want to send data to a specific computer on the Internet, the router will route that data to the computer using its unique identifier (IP address). The same applies to websites; each website has a unique IP address.
IP addresses come in two versions: IPv4 and IPv6, with IPv6 being the latest version. Source: Unsplash.Currently, we have two versions of IP addresses, IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 consists of a set of 4 numbers separated by periods from 0 to 255, for example: 207.228.238.7. Meanwhile, IPv6 consists of 8 sets of numbers and letters with colons separating them, for example: 2001:db8:3333:4444:5555:6666:7777:8888. IPv6 is the latest version of IP addresses.
The Difference Between MAC and IP Addresses
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide IP addresses, while network card manufacturers designate MAC addresses. IP addresses are logical addresses of 32 bits (IPv4) or 128 bits (IPv6), whereas MAC addresses are physical addresses of 48 bits.
IP addresses are logical addresses, whereas MAC addresses are physical addresses. Source: Unsplash.MAC addresses operate in the data link layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model, while IP addresses operate in the network layer. Another difference between the two addresses is that an IP address is temporary, while a MAC address is permanent (you can change it, but do so with caution). Additionally, devices cannot share MAC addresses, while many devices can share an IP address. The key point is that an IP address identifies a connection to the network, while a MAC address identifies the physical device connected to the network.
The operational model of IP and MAC addresses also differs somewhat. Source: Unsplash.Hopefully through this article, you will have a better understanding of IP and MAC addresses, avoiding confusion between the two. Of course, both are useful in network connectivity, each addressing different situations, and you cannot replace one with the other in any way.
How about you? Do you understand what an IP address or MAC address is? Leave a comment below to let me and everyone else know. Thank you for reading through to the end of my article.
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