What unique identifiers are used to identify devices on a network?

Devices on a network are uniquely identified primarily by their MAC address and IP address.

The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a hardware identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC) that allows the device to be recognized on a local network. It is a unique string of characters that distinguishes every device within a network segment. The MAC address operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and is crucial for facilitating communications within the same network, such as in a LAN.

An Internet Protocol (IP) address complements this by providing a unique identifier for devices on a larger network, such as the Internet. The IP address operates at the network layer and can change based on the device's location or the network it is connected to.

Together, the MAC address enables local network identification, while the IP address helps route data across diverse networks, ensuring that packets reach the correct destination. This dual-identification framework is essential for effective network communication and management.