IP addresses and MAC addresses are both used to identify devices on networks, but they work differently. IP addresses can change and are used for routing data across networks; MAC addresses are permanent and identify hardware.
Key points
Definition:IP Address: a unique number assigned to a device on a network, used to identify and locate it. Can change (e.g. when connecting to different networks).
IPv4 addresses are 32-bit: four decimal numbers separated by dots (e.g. 192.168.1.1).
IPv6 addresses are 128-bit: eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons.
Definition:MAC Address: a unique, permanent identifier assigned to a device's NIC during manufacture. 12-digit hexadecimal number (e.g. 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
IP addresses are used for ROUTING data across networks (logical address). MAC addresses identify the SPECIFIC DEVICE on a local network (physical address).
Exam Tip:Key difference — IP addresses can CHANGE; MAC addresses are PERMANENT (assigned during manufacture).
Common Mistake:Saying MAC addresses can be changed by the user. They are permanently burned into the NIC hardware.
Exam Tip:MAC address format: 6 groups of 2-digit hex numbers separated by colons or hyphens (e.g. 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). 48 bits total. First half = manufacturer ID, second half = serial number.
Exam Tip:IPv4 = 4 groups of 0-255 separated by DOTS. IPv6 = 8 groups of hex separated by COLONS. Common error: giving 6 groups for IPv6 or using dots instead of colons.