The ranges are best explained in the table below: Therefore, we can now say that a MAC address is a unique hardware identification number that is assigned to a NIC, whereas an IP address is an address that helps you identify a network connection that leads to the NIC, and thence, the host machine.įinally, we need to remember that connected devices can each have two IP addresses:Ī Private or Internal IP address: this is to be used on a Local Area Network (LAN) and for connectivity and messaging within an internal network. The NIC converts this hexadecimal number of the MAC address into binary numbers before processing and using it on the network.
The OUI is followed by a unique identifier since here too there can be no two devices with the same MAC address.įrom the image above, we can see that a MAC address is a hexadecimal number. AA:BB:CC) are used to identify a NIC’s manufacturer and are known as an Organizational Unique Identifier ( OUI). MAC addresses are written in the “ AA:BB:CC:DD:DD:FF” format.
In the case of a desktop or laptop computer, this hardware is the Network Interface Card ( NIC). But, in this case, the address is assigned to the hardware that is used to make the connection possible. Like an IP address, a MAC address also serves as an identifier for each device. If they do, it will cause an IP address conflict.Ī Media Access Control or MAC address is also a uniquely assigned address. It is also always unique – no two devices on the same subnet can have the same IP address. This address can be assigned manually by configuring a device to save a Static IP Address, or automatically by a DHCP server (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server) which assigns a Dynamic IP Address.Īn IP address can be in the format of (IP V4) or abcd:efgh:ijkl:mnop:qrst:uvwx:yzab:cdef (IP V6).
Define IP addressĪn Internet Protocol or IP address is a numerical label or address assigned to each device that is connected to a computer network that uses IP (Internet Protocol) for communication.Īn IP address serves two primary purposes: for host or network interface identification and location addressing of a connected device.
Let’s delve right in, have a look at these two terms, and discuss what they are and why we need them at all. Well, finding an IP address from a MAC address is the topic we will be looking at in this article. But, what if the only information you had was a MAC address and you needed to find out to whom it belonged? Perhaps you want to dig for more information based on a MAC address that has been listed in your router or you need to know who has been accessing your local network. It is common for network administrators and computer users to PING a device to find the IP address of a website, a host, or even a hostname.
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