LAN Address (more)

• MAC address allocation administered by IEEE

• manufacturer buys portion of MAC address space (to assure uniqueness)

• Analogy:

(a) MAC address: like Social Security Number

(b) IP address: like postal address

• MAC flat address => portability

  • can move LAN card from one LAN to another

• IP hierarchical address NOT portable

  • depends on network to which one attaches

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