This introduction covers The Two Types of Addresses within IP & MAC Addresses for GCSE Computer Science. Revise IP & MAC Addresses in Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 1 of 8 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 8
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!