This introduction covers The Two Types of 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 1 of 9 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
The Two Types of Addresses
Every device on a network needs TWO addresses: an IP address (logical, can change, like your home address - identifies WHERE you are) and a MAC address (physical, permanent, like your fingerprint - identifies WHO you are). IP addresses are used for routing across networks (Internet layer). MAC addresses are used for local delivery (Link layer). Think of sending a letter: the postal address (IP) gets it to the right town, the recipient's name (MAC) ensures it reaches the right person!
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.