While the former is used to uniquely identify devices on a network, the latter helps identify a device’s connection to the network. So it usually cannot be changed, or at least they don’t change on their own like an IP address.ĭifference Between MAC Address and IP AddressĮach network device needs at least two addresses to get recognized by other devices and network interfaces – one is the MAC address, and the other is the IP address (Internet Protocol address). That’s because the MAC address is assigned by the manufacturer and is burned into the device’s hardware. It is also referred to as the Physical address or Burned-in address. The MAC address is a 48-bit hexadecimal address consisting of six sets of two digits or characters separated by colons or hyphens.

This address is used to identify and communicate with other devices, be it a computer, smartphone, or printer, on a network. As mentioned above, the MAC Address (or Media Access Control address) is a unique identifier used to recognize devices connected to a network.

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