Every computer or device connected to the Internet has two types of addresses: a Physical Address and an Internet Address. The Physical Address refers to the MAC (Media Access Control) Address, which is a unique hardware identifier permanently assigned to the device’s network card by its manufacturer. The Internet Address, on the other hand, refers to the IP (Internet Protocol) Address, which is a logical address assigned by a network or Internet Service Provider (ISP) that identifies the device’s location on a network or the Internet. Both addresses work together to ensure smooth data communication between devices across local and global networks.
In simple terms:
- MAC Address = Device’s permanent hardware identity.
- IP Address = Device’s temporary network location.
Well, A MAC (Media Access Control) address and an IP (Internet Protocol) address are both unique identifiers assigned to network devices, but they operate at different layers of the network model and serve distinct purposes. Let’s take a look at the difference between a MAC address and an IP address.
Contents
What is a MAC Address?
A MAC (Media Access Control) Address is a unique identifier assigned to a computer’s network interface card (NIC). It’s built into the hardware during manufacturing and cannot be changed easily. It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and ensures accurate delivery of data frames within a local area network (LAN). The address is typically represented as 12 hexadecimal digits, grouped in pairs separated by colons or hyphens (e.g., 00:1A:C2:9B:00:68 or 00-1A-C2-9B-00-68) and is stored in the firmware of the NIC. The first half of the number is typically used as a manufacturer ID, while the second half is a device identifier.
Purpose
The MAC address ensures that every device connected to a local network (LAN, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.) has its own distinct hardware identity, so that data reaches the correct destination.
Structure of MAC Address
A MAC address is typically divided into two parts:
- Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI): The first 6 digits identify the manufacturer (e.g., Intel, HP, Realtek) assigned by the IEEE. For example, 00:1A:2B might represent a specific vendor.
- NIC Specific: The last 6 digits are assigned by the manufacturer to ensure global uniqueness across devices
Example of MAC address: 00:1A:3F:F1:4C:C6
- 00:1A:3F – Manufacturer (OUI)
- F1:4C:C6 – Device Identifier
Function and Use
Switches use MAC addresses to forward frames to the correct device within a LAN. Protocols like ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) map IP addresses to MAC addresses to enable local delivery. Additionally, MAC filtering can enhance network security by allowing only authorized devices to connect.
- Used to deliver data packets within a local network.
- Helps identify devices connected to a Wi-Fi router or LAN switch.
- Essential for network security filtering and access control (e.g., MAC address filtering).
Example in Action:
When you connect your laptop to Wi-Fi, your router identifies it through its MAC address to establish a secure local connection.
You can refer our dedicated article to know more about MAC address: What is MAC address in networking? Explained with examples
What is an IP Address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) Address is a logical numeric address that identifies a device’s location in a network or on the Internet. It helps route data between different networks so that a message sent from one device reaches the correct one across the globe. It operates at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and is essential for routing data packets between devices over different networks.
Initially, the Internet was built around IP version 4 (IPv4) and is transitioning to IPv6.
Purpose
The main purpose of an IP address is to identify and locate devices on a network. It’s like a digital address for sending and receiving data. It allows for the routing of internet traffic, ensuring that data packets are sent to the correct destination, similar to how a postal address directs mail. Without IP addresses, devices would be unable to communicate with each other on the internet.
Types of IP Addresses
There are two main versions of IP addresses:
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4): A 32-bit address represented in dotted-decimal notation (e.g., 192.168.1.1), divided into four octets (8 bits each). Each IPv4 address is a 32-bit number, so the range goes from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. There are a total of 4,294,967,296 possible IPv4 addresses, (which is calculated 2³² = 4,294,967,296) because IPv4 addresses are 32 bits long
However, many of these addresses are reserved for specific uses, such as private networks, experimental purposes, or multicasting, so they are not available for general public use.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6): IPv6 is a 128-bit address represented in hexadecimal notation, divided into eight groups of 16 bits (each group separated by colons). Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
Each IPv6 address is a 128-bit number, so the total number of possible addresses is enormous — 2¹²⁸=340,282,366,920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211,4562
However, not all IPv6 addresses are available for general use. Some ranges are reserved for special purposes, such as multicast, link-local communication, documentation, and loopback testing.
Also read: Static IP vs Dynamic IP Address – Differences and Examples
Function and Use
IP addresses allow routers to forward packets across networks by determining the best path to the destination. Protocols like DHCP dynamically assign IP addresses, while NAT (Network Address Translation) enables multiple devices to share a single public IP.
Special IP addresses include:
- Loopback: 127.0.0.1 (used to test network software locally).
- Broadcast: Host ID set to all 1s (e.g., 192.168.1.255).
- Private IPs: Reserved ranges like 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, and 192.168.0.0/16 used within internal networks.
Example of an IP Address in Use:
When you open a website, your device’s IP address communicates with the website’s server IP address to exchange data and load the page.
You can refer our dedicated article to know more about IP address: What Is an IP Address? A Beginner-Friendly Guide to IPv4 and IPv6
Difference Between IP Address and MAC Address
Both IP and MAC addresses are unique identifiers for devices on a network, but they serve different functions at different layers of the networking model.
- A MAC address is a hardware-based identifier burned into a network interface, while an IP address software-based identifier assigned by a network or ISP to enable communication across networks.
- An IP address operates at Layer 3 (Network Layer) and can change based on location. A MAC works at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) and stays the same regardless of the network. write this way.
- A MAC address is a 48-bit (6-byte) hexadecimal identifier, typically displayed as six groups of two characters separated by colons or hyphens (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). In contrast, an IP address is a logical, software-assigned address: IPv4 uses 32-bit dotted-decimal notation (e.g., 192.168.1.1), while IPv6 uses 128-bit hexadecimal notation (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334).
| Feature | MAC Address | IP Address |
| Full Form | Media Access Control Address | Internet Protocol Address |
| Meaning | Unique hardware identity of a network device | A logical address that identifies a device’s network location |
| Nature | Permanent and hardware-based | Temporary and software-based |
| Assigned By | Device Manufacturer | Network Administrator or ISP |
| Works At | Data Link Layer (Layer 2) | Network Layer (Layer 3) |
| Changes | Does not change unless the NIC is replaced | Changes when connected to a different network |
| Format | Hexadecimal (e.g., 00:1B:44:11:3A:B7) | Numeric (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or IPv6) |
| Used In | Local communication within LAN/Wi-Fi | Global and local communication over the Internet |
| Identifies | The actual physical device | The device’s location on the network |
| Example | A4:C3:F0:12:8E:4B | 192.168.0.105 |
| Number of Bits | 48 bits | 32 bits (IPv4) or 128 bits (IPv6) |
How IP and MAC Addresses Work Together
Even though IP and MAC addresses serve different purposes, they work hand-in-hand to ensure successful communication between devices.
- When you send data (like opening a website), your computer uses its IP address to find the destination on the network.
- The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is used to map the IP address to the MAC address.
- The MAC address then ensures the data packet is delivered to the exact physical device on the network.
- At the destination, the reverse process happens to return the response to your computer.
So, the IP address handles where to send the data, and the MAC address ensures who receives it.
Example:
When your computer (IP: 192.168.1.5, MAC: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E) sends a request to a router, the router uses ARP to find the correct MAC address associated with the IP address before forwarding the packet.
How to Find IP and MAC Addresses
On a Windows computer, you can quickly find IP and MAC address using the ipconfig command.
- Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
- Type the command ipconfig /all and press Enter.
- You’ll see your IP address under “IPv4 Address” and MAC address under “Physical Address.”
On macOS:
Open System Preferences → Network → Advanced → Hardware. The MAC address will be displayed there. To check your IP, open Terminal and type: ifconfig and press enter.
FAQs About IP and MAC Addresses
1. Can two devices have the same IP address?
Yes, but only on different networks. On the same network, duplicate IP addresses cause conflicts and connectivity issues.
2. Can I change my MAC address?
Normally it’s fixed, but you can use MAC spoofing tools or system settings to temporarily change it for privacy or testing.
3. What happens if the IP address changes?
Your device will still be identified by its MAC address on the local network, but its network location (IP) will differ.
4. Is the MAC address visible on the internet?
No. MAC addresses are used only within local networks; they are not transmitted across the internet.
5. Why are both IP and MAC addresses needed?
Because one (MAC) ensures local identification, while the other (IP) ensures global communication and routing over networks.
