This key facts covers Quick Reference - IP and MAC Addresses within IP & MAC Addresses for GCSE Computer Science. Revise IP & MAC Addresses in 3.5 Fundamentals of Computer Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 8 of 9 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Quick Reference - IP and MAC Addresses
IP Address (Internet Protocol):
- Type: Logical / software address
- Can change: Assigned by DHCP or manual config
- IPv4: 32-bit, format 192.168.1.1 (4.3 billion addresses)
- IPv6: 128-bit, format 2001:0db8::1 (virtually unlimited)
- Purpose: Routing packets across networks (WHERE device is)
- Layer: Internet layer (TCP/IP Layer 2)
MAC Address (Media Access Control):
- Type: Physical / hardware address
- Permanent: Burned into NIC at factory (cannot change)
- Size: 48-bit (6 bytes)
- Format: AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF (hexadecimal)
- Purpose: Local delivery on LAN (WHO device is)
- Layer: Link layer (TCP/IP Layer 1)
The Golden Rule:
IP = Logical, can change, for routing (postal address). MAC = Physical, permanent, for local delivery (fingerprint). BOTH are needed: IP to route across Internet, MAC to deliver on local network!
Practice questions for IP & MAC Addresses
Which of the following correctly describes an IP address?
Explain three differences between an IP address and a MAC address.