Understanding IP and MAC Addresses

Flashcards reviewing the concepts of IP and MAC addresses, their structure, and classification.

IP Address

A logical address that can be changed and is used to identify a device on a network.

MAC Address

A physical address that is permanent and unique to a network interface card (NIC).

Bits in an IP Address

32 bits, divided into four octets.

Octet

A group of 8 bits in an IP address.

Components of an IP Address

Network Identifier (NID) and Host Identifier (HID).

Role of Host Identifier (HID)

Identifies the specific host (computer) within a network.

Role of Network Identifier (NID)

Identifies the network to which a host belongs.

Size of MAC Address

48 bits.

OUI

Organizationally Unique Identifier; part of the MAC address that identifies the manufacturer.

Vendor ID

Vendor-specific value within the MAC address.

IP Address Representation

Can be represented in decimal or binary format.

MAC Address Representation

Represented in hexadecimal format.

IP Address Classes (Based on NID and HID)

Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Class A: NID and HID

One octet for NID, three octets for HID.

Class B: NID and HID

Two octets for NID, two octets for HID.

Class C: NID and HID

Three octets for NID, one octet for HID.

IP Address Classes (Based on Decimal Range)

Class A (0-126), Class B (128-191), Class C (192-223), Class D (224-239), Class E (240-255).

IP Address Class used in LAN

Class A, B, and C.

Class D IP Addresses

Reserved for multicasting.

Class E IP Addresses

Reserved for scientific research.

Subnet Mask

An address that indicates which part of an IP address is the network identifier and which part is the host identifier.

Default Subnet Mask for Class A

255.0.0.0

Default Subnet Mask for Class B

255.255.0.0

Default Subnet Mask for Class C

255.255.255.0

Device to Connect Different Networks

Router

Device Used within the Same Network (LAN)

Switch

Changeable Address

IP address is changeable.

Fixed Address

MAC address.