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Why we need IP address if we have MAC address?
Originally Answered: When Mac Address for different computer is unique why we need IP Address for transferring packet? MAC addresses are needed for communication within the Local Area Network. IP address comes into the picture when the packet has to be routed to a different network.
Why MAC addresses are not used to route packets over the Internet?
The Question I understand that IP addresses are hierarchical, so that routers throughout the internet know which direction to forward a packet. With MAC addresses, there is no hierarchy, and thus packet forwarding would not be possible. So, MAC addresses are not used for packet transfer.
What purpose does a MAC address serve on a network?
A Media Access Control (MAC) address identifies a unique “network interface” in a device. While IP addresses are assigned by ISPs and can be re-assigned as devices connect and disconnect, MAC addresses are tied to a physical adapter and are assigned by manufacturers.
Is it safe to give MAC address?
Probably not. The MAC address is a unique 12 character string assigned by the manufacturer. Unless your device has been granted access to some secure network based solely on its MAC address… giving it out should not be a problem.
What is IP Address vs MAC address?
MAC Address and IP Address
| MAC Address | IP Address |
|---|---|
| MAC address is a unique identifier that is assigned to a Network Interface Controller/ Card. | An IP address is an address that helps you to identify a network connection. |
Can MAC address be used instead of IP?
Originally Answered: Why do we not use the MAC address as an IP address or instead of an IP address in networking? The MAC address contains no geographical information. If the NIC with the desired address is not on your local network, it may be anywhere in the world. The IP address is managed so that it can be found.
What is difference between MAC address and IP?
The main difference between MAC and IP address is that MAC Address is used to ensure the physical address of the computer. It uniquely identifies the devices on a network. While IP addresses are used to uniquely identifies the connection of the network with that device takes part in a network.
Why does my company need my MAC address?
MAC addresses are useful for network diagnosis because they never change, as opposed to a dynamic IP address, which can change from time to time. For a network administrator, that makes a MAC address a more reliable way to identify senders and receivers of data on the network.
There are no security concerns whatsoever, unless you used some kind of very, very badly designed software that only relies on your MAC to give a computer access to your data and an attacker were on the same network as the listener.