How is IP address different from MAC address? Discuss briefly.
MAC address, also known as the physical or hardware address, is a unique permanent value associated with a network adapter called a NIC. It is engraved on the NIC at the time of manufacturing and cannot be changed under any circumstances. It is used to physically identify a machine on the network.
IP address, also known as Internet Protocol address, is a unique address that identifies each node in a network. Unlike MAC address, IP address can change if a node is removed from one network and connected to another network. It allows communication with a computer from anywhere in the world.
Explanation
The textbook clearly distinguishes between MAC and IP addresses in section 10.6. MAC address is permanent, hardware-bound, and used for physical identification, while IP address is logical, changeable based on network, and enables global communication. Key differences highlighted are: permanence (MAC is permanent, IP can change), association (MAC with NIC, IP with network node), and purpose (physical vs. logical identification).