Answers.com > Wiki Answers > Categories > Technology > Computers > Computer Networking > If IP address then why MAC address?

If IP address then why MAC address?

In: Computer Networking, Computer Terminology, Windows [Edit categories]

Answer:

IP addresses are broken down into two types: public and private. Public IP addresses are unique in nature. In other words, no two are the same. Private IP addresses are not unique across multiple networks. In other words, on network A, you will only have one address of 192.168.0.10, but that address might be in use on network B, as well. MAC addresses are always unique. They are burned directly onto the Network Interface Card (NIC). Therefore, when one computer with 192.168.0.10 address sends information, it's capable of reaching a computer on a second network that also employs a 192.168.0.10 address, simply for the fact that the MAC address is unique.

First answer by ID1210216510. Last edit by ID1210216510. Question popularity: 4 [recommend question].

[report abuse]

Can you answer these Computer Networking questions?

	Who made the first wireless set?	Answer it!
	What methods are used in securing XML contents?	Answer it!
	How firewall work in LAN?	Answer it!
	What is difference between single handshaking mode and double handshaking mode?	Answer it!
	What does a jack socket do?	Answer it!

Relevant answers:

What the use of MAC address if you have IP address?
A MAC address is useful if you want the router to always provide the same IP address to the same network interface, or if you want to provide a service, such as a PXE boot image, to a specific...
How are IP addresses and MAC addresses different?
See the OSI layer. The MAC address is the base addressing. IP addresses ride on top of the MAC Addresses.
How do you find a MAC address of an IP address?
This is simple: If u are using windows then first open command prompt type ping "Ip address of the system", Then type arp -a, It will show mac address of the Ip address. To open command prompt.... Go...
How is an IP address different from a MAC address?
Mac address are used less often than IP addresses, and are more heavily linked to the hardware they are assigned to. IP addresses are more commonly used for sending information to the correct place...
Why mac and ip address are different?
MAC addresses were designed to be a "physical" identifier for a piece of hardware, and came before IP addresses. By observing a MAC address, you can identify the manufacturer of the device, as well...