Main Difference
The main difference between the MAC Address and IP Address is that MAC Address is the physical address of a machine on the internet, whereas the IP Address is the logical address of a machine that identifies its connection on the internet.
MAC Address vs. IP Address
MAC stands for Media Access Control. IP stands for Internet Protocol. MAC Address is a physical address of the computer that has burnt to the Network Interface Card (NIC) during the manufacturing process. An IP address is a numerical address of the device. MAC address is who you are while the IP address is where you are, and it is like your passport to the internet. MAC address has burnt to the “Network Interface Card” (NIC) during the manufacturing process. The IP address has been assigned by “Internet Service Provider” (ISP) to the device. MAC address remains the same as the device’s hardware. An IP address for the same device can change according to its TCP/IP network configuration. MAC address helps to identify each device uniquely. Every device on the network has assigned its IP address so that a device can be located on the network. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) protocol is used to receive the MAC address of a device. The IP address for a particular connection can retrieve by RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol). MAC address delivers the data to the right device. The IP address transports data from one network to another network through the TCP/IP protocol. MAC address is only associated with the machine, so it is difficult to trace. IP conflict occurs where two or more devices share the same IP address. In the OSI model, MAC address works in the data link layer. In the OSI model, the IP address works in the network layer.
Comparison Chart
| MAC Address | IP Address |
| It is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller of the computer device. | Each device has a numerical label that uses an internet protocol for communication. |
| Stands For | |
| MAC Address stands for “Media Address Control Address.” | IP Address stands for “Internet Protocol Address.” |
| Purpose | |
| MAC identifies the physical address of the computer. | Define the connection of a computer on the internet. |
| Bits | |
| MAC is 48-bits (6 bytes) hexadecimal address. | IPv4 is a 32-bit (4 bytes) address. IPv6 is a 128-bits (16 bytes) address. |
| Assigned By | |
| The MAC address has assigned by the device manufacturer. | The IP address has assigned by the network administrator or an Internet Service Protocol. |
| Address | |
| MAC Address is the physical address. | IP Address is the logical address of the computer. |
| Location | |
| Data Link Layer | Network Layer |
| Modification | |
| It cannot change | It can change |
What is MAC Address?
It is the physical address of the computer that has burnt to the Network Interface Card (NIC) during the manufacturing process. MAC stands for Media Access Control. Each computing device has its own MAC address that helps to identify each device uniquely. Network Interface Card (NIC) is interface hardware that is used by the computer to become part of a network. MAC address is a hexadecimal address of 48-bits (6 bytes). Its format is MM:MM:MM:SS:SS: SS. In MAC address there is a total of 6 bytes, the first 3-bytes are the address of the manufacturer while the other 3-bytes are the serial number of NIC. In the Open System Interconnection (OSI)/TCP/IP model, MAC address works in the data link layer. MAC address is only associated with the machine, so it is difficult to trace. It could identify a specific computer if somehow captured, which requires additional software on the machine.
What is an IP Address?
It stands for Internet Protocol. An IP address is a logical address to connect the device to the network. Every device on the network has assigned its IP address so that a device can locate on the network. The IP address has been assigned by Internet Service Provider (ISP) to the device. An IP address dynamically locates your device when participates in the network, and it will change each time you connect to the network. There are two types of IP addresses. IPv4 has a 32-bit (4 bytes) address whereas IPv6 has a 128-bit (16 bytes) address. A router is a vital networking device. When receives a packet on the router; it checks the IP address if the packet is for the network it receives the packet otherwise forward it to the other network. In the OSI model, the IP address works in the network layer.
Key Differences
- MAC Address is a physical address of a machine on the internet, whereas the IP Address is the logical address of a machine that identifies its connection on the internet.
- MAC Address helps to identify the device uniquely while IP Address identifies the connection of a device on the internet.
- MAC Address has a 48-bits (6 bytes) hexadecimal address, whereas IP Address has IPv4 32-bits (4 bytes) and IPv6 128-bits (16 bytes) addresses.
- MAC Address has burnt to the Network Interface Card (NIC) during the manufacturing process; on the other hand, IP address has been assigned by Internet Service Provider (ISP) to the device.
- MAC address delivers the data to the right device, whereas the IP address transports data from one network to another network through the TCP/IP protocol.
- ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) protocol is used to receive the MAC address of a device, whereas the IP address for a particular connection can retrieve by RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol).
- MAC address works in the data link layer of the OSI model, whereas in the OSI model, IP address works in the network layer.
Conclusion
MAC and IP address both are necessary for computers to communicate via the internet. MAC address will always remain the same, but IP addresses always change each time you connect on a network.