Addressing is the way networks and hosts identify where data comes from and where it should go. Like a postal address on a package, network addresses tell switches/routers which path(s) to use and which device should process the payload when it arrives.
2) Address Types
Address type
Layer
Common name(s)
What it identifies
Physical / Link
Layer 2
MAC address, physical address, EUI-48
A hardware interface on the local link (Ethernet/Wi-Fi)
Logical / Network
Layer 3
IP address, host address, interface address
A host or interface identity used for inter-network routing
Application
Layer 4+
Port, socket
A specific service or application on a host (e.g., HTTP on port 80)
3) Physical vs Logical Addressing
Feature
Physical Addressing
Logical Addressing
Layer (OSI)
Data Link (Layer 2)
Network (Layer 3)
Example
MAC: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E
IP: 192.168.1.10
Format/Length
48-bit hex (MAC), tied to NIC
IPv4 (32-bit), IPv6 (128-bit)
Assignment
Burned in by manufacturer (can be changed)
Assigned manually, via DHCP, or autoconfig
Used by
Switches & NICs
Routers
Changeability
Usually fixed (unless spoofed)
Can change if host moves networks
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