Differences You Should Know Between MAC Address and IP Address

Date 12/25/2023

This article introduces you to the difference between MAC addresses and IP addresses, from basic information to comparing the specific differences between the two, so that you can have a detailed understanding of MAC addresses and IP addresses after reading.

MAC addresses and IP addresses are both crucial identifiers in computer networks, ensuring effective communication between devices. Although they serve as device identifiers, MAC addresses and IP addresses have some differences in their application domains and working mechanisms. This article will take you through a detailed understanding of what MAC addresses and IP addresses are and analyze the distinctions between them.

What is a MAC Address?

The MAC address is used to uniquely identify the physical address of a device on the network. Each network device, such as switches, routers, etc., is assigned a unique MAC address. Typically, a MAC address consists of 48 bits, represented by 12 hexadecimal digits. Starting from the left, 0-23 bit is the code that manufacturers apply to IETF and other organizations to identify manufacturers, and bits 24 to 47 are manufacturer-assigned unique identifiers for each device. It's analogous to a unique postal code for each house, ensuring the accuracy of data transmission within a local area network.

MAC addresses can also be employed in Access Control Lists (ACLs) to regulate network access, restricting or permitting it as necessary. They can deny or allow specific devices with certain MAC addresses to access the network, enhancing network security. Additionally, MAC addresses play a crucial role in network diagnostics and troubleshooting. By analyzing MAC addresses, traffic sources and destinations can be identified, aiding in locating the source of faults and resolving network issues.

What is an IP Address?

An IP address serves as a label in computer networks for identifying and locating devices. It is an identifier composed of numbers and dot separators, designed to uniquely identify each device in a network. IP addresses come in two versions: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 addresses are typically represented by 32-bit binary numbers, expressed in dotted decimal notation, ranging from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. IPv6 addresses have a total length of 128 bits, usually organized into 8 groups, with each group consisting of 4 hexadecimal digits separated by colons. While IPv4 can support a total of 2^32 addresses, the distribution of addresses has led to a shortage of unique addresses for all network devices. IPv6 was developed to address this issue, ensuring that every network device can have a unique address, supporting up to 3.4 trillion different addresses.

When sending or receiving data over the Internet, the IP address becomes crucial. Without an IP address, communication with any device on the internet is impossible. In essence, an IP address acts like a passport; if you want to communicate internationally, you must have an IP address. Once an IP address is lost, effective network communication with other devices becomes impossible.

Mac address vs IP address: What is the difference?

MAC addresses and IP addresses refer to two different types of addresses used to identify devices in computer networks. The MAC address acts on the second layer of the OSI model, while IP addresses operate on the third layer. A MAC address represents the physical location of a device in a local network, while an IP address serves as the accessible identity on the global Internet. MAC addresses are provided by NIC manufacturers, and they primarily serve to validate the physical address of a device, remaining unique and immutable. On the other hand, IP addresses are utilized to identify a device's network connection uniquely, and they may change with time and movement in space.

Key differences between MAC addresses and IP addresses include

Different Network Layers:

MAC addresses are situated at OSI model Layer 2 (Data Link Layer), uniquely identifying devices in local networks.

IP addresses reside at OSI model Layer 3 (Network Layer), providing unique identification for devices in a global network.

Scope of Identification:

MAC addresses function locally within a network.

IP addresses uniquely identify devices globally on the Internet, allowing communication across different networks.

Allocation and Management:

MAC addresses are typically encoded by device manufacturers on network interface cards (NICs), managed by the IEEE.

IP addresses, available in static or dynamic modes, are managed and allocated by Internet registries and network administrators.

Address Length and Representation:

MAC addresses are usually represented by 12-digit hexadecimal numbers.

IPv4 addresses consist of 32-bit binary numbers, and IPv6 addresses use 128-bit representation.

Uniqueness:

MAC addresses remain fixed and do not change over time or space.

IP addresses may change based on the network to which a device connects.

Fundamental Nature:

MAC addresses are based on hardware or physical addresses.

IP addresses are based on software or logical addresses.

In summary, MAC addresses and IP addresses differ fundamentally—MAC addresses are based on physical characteristics, whereas IP addresses rely on logical attributes. Their roles and functionalities diverge due to their distinct positions in network layers.

Conclusion

The functions of MAC addresses and IP addresses, as well as their roles in different network layers, are distinct. MAC addresses are used to address communication within a local network, while IP addresses handle data transmission and access on the Internet. They collaborate to fulfill specific functions. If you have any questions about MAC addresses and IP addresses, please feel free to contact QSFPTEK's CCIE/HCIE engineers at [email protected].