Network Protocols

Network Protocols

1. MAC Addresses

   • Communication on the same network uses MAC Addresses
   • MAC Addresses are assigned to all network enabled devices by the manufacturer. They are unique to the device and cannot be changed.
   • MAC Addresses are 48 or 64-bit binary numbers . To make them easier to use they're converted into hexadecimals
   • MAC Addresses are mainly used by the Ethernet protocol on LANs. LAN switches read the MAC Addresses and use them to direct data to the right device.

2. IP Addresses

   • Communication between different networks uses IP Addresses
   • IP Addresses aren't linked to hardware unlike MAC Addresses. They are assigned either manually (static) or automatically (dynamic) before the device can access the network
   • Static IP Addresses are permanent addresses . They're used to connect printers on a LAN and for hosting websites on the internet- companies don't want the IP Addresses of their website changing. Static IP Addresses on the internet can be very expensive - businesses pay big money for them.
   • An IP Addresses can either be a 32-bit or 128-bit binary number, depending on the version of IP you're using. The longer 128-bit numbers are translated into eight hexadecimal numbers, while the 32-bit ones are converted into four denary numbers.
   • Dynamic IP Addresses are assigned to the device by a network server, meaning your device may have a different IP Addresses every time you log on to the network. Internet Service Providers commonly use dynamic IP Addresses are they are most cost effective and can be reused

3. PIE/PEA Address = IP Address

4. MACdonalds address = MAC Address