Module 10 · Section 1.3.2

Addressing

MAC Address Physical Address
  • Hardcoded into the NIC by the manufacturer.
  • Globally unique. Format: 6 pairs of hex digits.
  • Used by switches to direct frames within a LAN.
IP Address (IPv4 vs IPv6) Logical Address
  • Assigned to the device by the network — can change.
  • Used by routers to direct packets across networks.
  • IPv4: 4 denary octets. Running out of addresses.
  • IPv6: Uses Hexadecimal. Created because IPv4 ran out.
FeatureMAC AddressIP Address
TypePhysicalLogical
Used bySwitchRouter
Changes?NeverYes
⚠ Examiner Warning: IPv4 validity
Each octet in an IPv4 address must be 0–255. A value like "256" is invalid. Always check this in exam questions.
🎯 2024 Exam: Constructing a Full IPv6 Address
AAAA:BBBB:CCCC:DDDD:
EEEE:FFFF:1111:2222
A full IPv6 example requires 8 groups of 4 hexadecimal digits separated by colons.
🎯 Quick Quiz: Identify the address type
00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E
← Previous: Encryption
🏷 MAC Address — Physical
00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E
6 pairs · Hexadecimal · Hardcoded
00 1A 2B 3C 4D 5E
🌐 IPv4 Address — Logical
192.168.1.254
4 octets · Denary · Assigned by network
192 168 1 254
🚀 IPv6 Address — Hexadecimal
2001:0db8:85a3...
128-bit · Hex · Fixes IPv4 shortage
MAC = Physical · IP = Logical