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3.5 Fundamentals of Computer NetworksKey Facts

Quick Reference - IP and MAC Addresses

Part of IP & MAC Addresses · GCSE GCSE Computer Science revision

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.

Topic position

Section 8 of 9

Practice

15 questions

Recall

18 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!

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in IP & MAC Addresses. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Exam Tips - IP and MAC AddressesKnowledge Organiser: IP and MAC AddressesThe Two Types of AddressesIP Addresses (Internet Protocol)

Practice Questions for IP & MAC Addresses

Which of the following correctly describes an IP address?

  • A. A permanent address burned into the NIC at the factory
  • B. A logical address that can change when connecting to a different network
  • C. A 48-bit address written as six pairs of hexadecimal digits
  • D. A physical address that uniquely identifies network hardware
1 markfoundation

Explain three differences between an IP address and a MAC address.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

15 questions on IP & MAC Addresses — practise free

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Exam Tips - IP and MAC Addresses

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Knowledge Organiser: IP and MAC Addresses