What is the difference between an IP address and a MAC address?

IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a logical address of a node in a network, used for routing data. It is assigned to a program or device that requests it. An IP address can change (dynamic or static).

MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a unique physical address of a device's network adapter (e.g., network card). It is "embedded" by the manufacturer into the hardware and does not change. It is used at the data link layer of the OSI model to identify the device within a local network.

Main differences:

Characteristic	IP address	MAC address
OSI model layer	Network layer (layer 3)	Data link layer (layer 2)
Purpose	Identification in the network (for routing)	Device identification within a local network
Ownership	Assigned to a program/device	Assigned by the manufacturer to the device
Changeability	Can change (dynamic/static)	Permanent (unique to the adapter)
Format	IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.1) or IPv6	48-bit or 64-bit address (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E)

Example of use: When a device sends data to another network, the router uses the recipient's IP address to determine the route. Within a local network, the MAC address of the recipient is used to deliver the packet to the final device.