IP and MAC addresses are two unique identifiers that work together to ensure smooth communication between devices over the internet.
They form the basics of networking, which is why understanding these two ideas becomes essential to learning how the online world functions.
This post aims to explore the details and roles of IP and MAC addresses in networking. It will also provide an overview of some tools that you can use to quickly learn about your device’s IP and MAC addresses in no time. So, let’s get started.
What is a MAC Address?
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique hardware identifier assigned to a device’s hardware, more specifically in its network interface card (NIC).
It ensures that every device on a network can be uniquely identified, allowing you to manage device inventories and keep track of what is connected and what’s not.
Structure of a MAC Address
A MAC address consists of 12 hexadecimal characters. It is made up of two primary sections, which are detailed below.
- OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier): The first six characters identify the manufacturer of the NIC.
- Device Identifier: The last six characters are specific to the device, acting as a serial number.
Where is a MAC Address Used?
As we have learned, MAC addresses are found for every device in a network. So, they can be used to conduct a variety of tasks, like device identification within a LAN (Local Area Network).
The address can also let you reinstate the connection between two devices, like a router and a desktop PC. By knowing the MAC address of your devices, you can also apply MAC filtering to prohibit unauthorized devices from entering your systems.
How MAC Addresses Work
At the data link level (Layer 2 of the OSI model), the local area network traffic is governed by the MAC addresses. You can learn more about this interaction with the road map below.
- When a device sends data, it embeds the destination device’s MAC address into the data packet.
- The switch routes the data packet to the correct device using the MAC address.
What is an IP Address?
Now, it is time to learn about IP addresses, the second crucial component of modern-day internet connectivity after MACs.
Devices linked to a network are given a logical identifier known as an IP address (Internet Protocol). Much like a postal address for transmitting information to devices, IP addresses are critical for enabling worldwide communication.
Structure of an IP Address
There are two main kinds of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. Both have different structures, so let’s review them in a bit more detail below.
- IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4): This is a 32-bit address formatted like 192.168.0.1. They have 4 octets, each ranging from 0 to 255 in value.
- IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6): IPv6 is a newer form of IP address structure with a 128-bit address. These are formatted like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. IPv6 has 16 octets, each ranging from 0 to 255 in value.
Where is an IP Address Used?
IP addresses manage device communication across wide networks (e.g., the internet). They help by assigning each device an address to send or receive data. The routing is done through intermediate devices like routers.
How IP Addresses Work
IP addresses are more commonly involved at the third layer (AKA the network layer) of the OSI model. Its working mechanism can be understood by following the provided chain of thoughts.
- A device sends data embedded with the recipient’s IP address.
- The router receives and forwards the data packet to the next router in the path.
- Eventually, the packet reaches its destination based on the IP address.
IP addresses allow smooth global communication, ensuring that data sharing is immaculate even over vast physical distances.
Key Difference Between MAC Address and IP Address
Though we have studied the two key distinctive markers, we should underline their distinctions to make our understanding concrete.
| Aspect | MAC Address | IP Address |
| Definition | Hardware identifier for NIC devices. | Logical identifier for network communication. |
| Layer | Data link layer (Layer 2). | Network layer (Layer 3). |
| Scope | Local network use (LAN). | Global communication (Internet). |
| Assignment | Fixed by the manufacturer during production. | Assigned dynamically by ISPs or network admins. |
| Format | 12 hexadecimal characters (e.g., 00:1A:C2…). | IPv4 (32-bit) or IPv6 (128-bit). |
This table differentiates MAC addresses from IP addresses, allowing you to understand the differences between them in detail.
Tools to Look Out For
Today, we have many different online tools and resources that can help you look up MAC and IP addresses and know more details about your device or network.
For instance, if you’ve got a MAC address and need more information about the device or its manufacturer. Then, the MAC Vendor Lookup tool is your go-to resource.
You simply have to enter the device’s MAC address, and you can receive data about its vendor, registration history, address block information, etc.
The said tool can be incredibly useful for IT professionals troubleshooting network devices or identifying unknown hardware in a system. It can also be used to facilitate quick RMA processes, saving you ample resources and time.
Similarly, if you have an IP address and want to learn more about the device’s origin, then the IP Address Lookup tool is perfect for this task.
It will provide details like the geographic location (city and country) of the device, its Internet Service Provider (ISP), latitude/longitude coordinates, etc.
The IP Address Lookup tool is a must-have utility for network security analysts wanting to secure their organization from high-risk regions. Or business professionals who want to trace the origin of an IP and localize shopping experiences, accordingly.
Final Words
Understanding the working details of IP and MAC addresses ensures that you know everything about the online world.
In this post, we learned all the details about these two unique identifiers and tried to differentiate between them as well, allowing you to cement your concepts.
However, take our words as a starting point for your learning journey and keep reading more about IP and MAC addresses to gain comprehensive insights.
