3.5 Fundamentals of Computer NetworksIntroduction

The Two Types of Addresses

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

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.

Topic position

Section 1 of 9

Practice

15 questions

Recall

18 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!

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.

IP Addresses (Internet Protocol)MAC Addresses (Media Access Control)IP vs MAC Addresses - Direct Comparison

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

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IP & MAC Addresses

IP Addresses (Internet Protocol)