OCR J277 • Topic 1.3.2

IP and MAC Addressing

This interactive revision session targets exactly how devices find each other. We've added a strict timer to the IP Verifier to simulate exam conditions, so stay sharp!


1. IP Addresses

Logical Addressing (WANs)

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a logical address used to route data across Wide Area Networks (WANs) like the internet.

▼ Expand Format Rules
  • IPv4 Format: Made of 4 groups of denary numbers.
    192.168.0.24
    The Golden Rule: No number can be higher than 255. Why? Because each number represents an 8-bit binary byte. The maximum value of 11111111 is 255 in denary!

Activity 1: Rapid-Fire IP Verifier

Categorise these addresses before the 5-second timer runs out!

Processed: 0/4

Incoming Address

192.168.1.1

2. MAC Addresses

Physical Addressing (LANs)

A MAC address is permanently burnt into a device's Network Interface Card (NIC).

▼ Expand Format Rules
  • Used exclusively for routing data within a Local Area Network (LAN).
  • Written as 12 hexadecimal characters, grouped in pairs.
  • The Anatomy:
    • First Half: The Manufacturer ID.
    • Second Half: The Serial Number (uniquely identifies your specific device).

Activity 2: Interactive MAC Decoder

Select a label using your mouse or keyboard (Tab & Enter), then assign it to the correct half.

00:1A:2B : 3C:4D:5E

Word Bank

3. IP vs MAC Comparison

Feature IP Address MAC Address
Flexibility Can be changed (allocated by software). Permanent (burnt into the hardware).
Routing Scope Used to route data across a WAN. Only used to route data within a LAN.

Activity 3: The Sorting Matrix

Send each statement to the correct address type to build your comparison table. (Accessible via keyboard Tab & Enter).

IP Address
MAC Address

Statements remaining: 4

Can be changed when joining a new network.
Permanently burnt into the NIC.
Used for routing data across a WAN.
Written using 12 Hexadecimal characters.

Activity 4: The Routing Simulator

Watch the packet travel. Notice how the IP remains constant, but the MAC changes at the router boundary!

Packet

Laptop

Switch

Router

Internet

Stop 1: The Switch

The packet has hit the switch within the Local Area Network (LAN). To route it internally, which address must the switch read?

Revision Complete

Excellent work, Student.

0 pts