---
title: "What is the major difference between IP address and MAC address ?"  
description: "What is the major difference between IP address and MAC address ?"  
author: "MindStick Software Pvt Ltd"  
published: 2019-09-20  
updated: 2019-09-20  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/105374/what-is-the-major-difference-between-ip-address-and-mac-address  
category: "internet"  
tags: ["internet", "protocols", "ip address", "mac address"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# What is the major difference between IP address and MAC address ?

What is the [major difference](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/2509/what-is-major-difference-between-delegate-and-notification) between [IP address](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/188405/difference-between-mac-address-and-ip-address) and [MAC](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/311752/how-to-install-and-use-the-google-wifi-software-on-a-windows-or-mac-computer) address ?

## Replies

### Reply by Anonymous User

## Comparison Chart

| **BASIS FOR COMPARISON** | **MAC** | **IP** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Full-Form** | This is the short form of **Media Access Control Address.** | Internet Protocol Address. |
| **Purpose** | It identifies the physical address of a computer on the internet. | It identifies the connection of a computer on the internet. |
| **Bits** | It is 48 bits (6 bytes) hexadecimal address. | IPv4 is a 32-bit (4 bytes) address, and IPv6 is a 128-bits (16 bytes) address. |
| **Address** | MAC address is assigned by the manufacturer of NIC card. | An IP address is assigned by the network administrator or Internet Service Provider. |
| **Retrieve Address** | ARP protocol can retrieve the MAC address of a device. | RARP protocol can retrieve the IP address of a device. |

## \

### Reply by Anonymous User

## Some common Differences Between the MAC Address and IP Address

- The full form of MAC address is Media Acess Control whereas, the full form of IP address is Internet Protocol address.
- The IP address identifies a connection to a device in a network. On the other hand, the Mac address identifies a device participating in a network.
- MAC address is 48 bits (6 bytes) hexadecimal address whereas, IP address has two versions, IPv4 a 32-bit address and IPv6 a 128-bit address.
- MAC address is assigned by the manufacturer of interface hardware. On the other hand, the IP address is assigned by the network administrator or Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- ARP protocol retrieves the MAC address whereas RARP protocol retrieves IP address.


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/105374/what-is-the-major-difference-between-ip-address-and-mac-address

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