IP address vs MAC address

When we learn about the network, we can see there are two address: IP address and MAC address.

So, what is difference between them? 💭

 

• IP address:
  • IP address function:
    • It is used globally on the internet to transfer packets from source node to remote destination. 
  • Network layer(layer 3) address for node/router interfaces.
  • 32 bit IPv4 address assigned by DHCP server.
• MAC address (or LAN or physical or Ethernet address):
  • MAC address function:
    • It is used locally in the same subnet to transfer frame from one node to another physically-connected node.
    • Data link layer (layer 2) address for node/router interfaces.
    • 48 bit MAC address burned in NIC ROM.
    • e.g. IA-2F-BB-76-09-AD

 

IP address:

1. It is like a postal address!
2. A hierarchical address, so it is not portable.
   1. address depends on IP subnet to which node is attached.
3. The location of your subnet matters
4. IP address changes when you move from a subnet to another subnet (gets a new IP from the new subnet)

MAC address:

1. It is like a Social Security Number!
2. A flat address, so it is portable.
   1. Remains the same while moving from a LAN to another.
3. The location of your subnet does not matter.
4. MAC address always remains the same even if you move from a subnet to another subnet (burnt on NIC card).
5. MAC address allocation administered by IEEE.