What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address?
MAC address and IP address are both unique identifiers used in computer networks to identify devices and enable communication between them. Here's a brief explanation of each:
MAC Address:
A Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique identifier assigned to the network interface controller (NIC) of a network device, such as a computer or a smartphone. It is a 12-digit hexadecimal number that is assigned by the device manufacturer and cannot be changed.
The MAC address is used to identify a specific device on a local network, and it is used to control access to the network. When a device sends a data packet on a network, the data packet includes the MAC address of the sending device and the MAC address of the intended recipient.
IP Address:
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier assigned to a device connected to a network, such as a computer or a server. It is a 32-bit or 128-bit number that is used to identify the device's location on the network.
The IP address is used to enable communication between devices on different networks, such as the internet. When a device sends a data packet on a network, the data packet includes the IP address of the sending device and the IP address of the intended recipient.
There are two types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 addresses are 32-bit numbers and are the most commonly used type of IP address. IPv6 addresses are 128-bit numbers and are used to address the shortage of available IPv4 addresses.
In summary, MAC address and IP address are both unique identifiers used in computer networks. MAC addresses are used to identify devices on a local network, while IP addresses are used to enable communication between devices on different networks, such as the internet.
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