How does a MAC address differ from an IP address?

A MAC address (Media Access Control address) and an IP address (Internet Protocol address) are both essential components of computer networks, but they differ in their purpose and structure. A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC) by the manufacturer. It is a fixed, hardware-based address that remains constant and works at the data link layer of the network. In contrast, an IP address is a logical address assigned to devices connected in a network that identifies their location in the network. An IP address is dynamic and can be assigned either manually or automatically. It works at the network layer and supports routing and communication between different networks. While MAC addresses are used for local network communication, IP addresses enable communication across different networks, thus facilitating global connectivity on the internet.

This mind map was published on 19 November 2023 and has been viewed 47 times.