Definition: IP Address vs. MAC Address


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IP Address

An IP Address is used to identify a computer on the Internet or a local intranet. If computers share a specific local network, each of the computers will also share part of their IP Address. In other words, the similar IP Addresses may indicate that a computer is close. The following example illustrates what an (IP v4) IP Address may look like:

  • 120.40.193.57
     

MAC Address

The Media Access Control (MAC) Address is used to identify Ethernet network cards or simply PCs that have built-in Ethernet. In other words, every computer that uses Ethernet will have a MAC address; however, it is important to remember that some Internet connections do not use Ethernet. Unlike the IP Addresses, computers that share a specific local network will not have MAC addresses that resemble one another in any way. 
 

Referenced from: www.boutell.com

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9/26/2022 1:24:32 PM