Revision (IP and MAC addresses)

Revision (IP and MAC addresses)

1. IP address

   • 32 bit or 128 bit numbers(Each value is 8 bits )
   • Are NOT linked to hardware, unlike MAC addresses.
   • Can be changed
     • This is because IP addresses are assigned to the device by network
   • Static IP addresses
     • When a device is assigned to a static IP address, the address does not change
   • Dynamic IP addresses
     • Dynamic IP addresses are assigned by the network when they connect and change over time
   • Consists of 4 decimal numbers that each range from 0-255
     • Eg. 129.38.254.5.
   • Used for the network you are currently connected to - (LAN)

2. MAC address

   • Every piece of hardware on a network has a unique MAC address
   • The address is embedded in the hardware when the product is made and can not be changed
     • No two computers would have the same MAC address, each is unique to the hardware
   • Made up of 48 or 64 bit binary numbers
     • Written as 12 hexadecimal characters
       • E.g 00,A0,C9,14,C8,29
   • Used to connect to other networks - (WAN)

3. Data packets

   • A file has to be broken up into small chunks of data known as data packets ( In order to be sent over a network )
     • Data is then re-built once it reaches the destination computer
   • Networking hardware is required to connect computers and manage how data packets are communicated
     • Protocols are used to control how data is transmitted across networks.