Address

An address is an identifier that designates a destination for communication, delivery, or connection. It functions as a routing cue that helps systems locate a recipient or endpoint. Addresses vary by domain and purpose, ranging from physical locations to electronic identifiers and network nodes.

Postal or physical addresses specify where mail or packages should be delivered. Typical components include recipient name, street address or P.O. box, locality, postal code, and country. Formats differ by country, but standardized elements support automated sorting and validation.

An email address identifies an inbox on a network. It has a local part, an at sign, and a domain, such as [email protected]. Standards govern syntax and character use, and mail routing relies on DNS and mail-transfer protocols.

Network addressing assigns endpoints for data transmission. IPv4 uses 32 bits and dotted-decimal notation; IPv6 uses 128 bits in hexadecimal groups. Addresses are allocated by registries, assigned by DHCP when dynamic, and used by routers to forward traffic.

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a hardware identifier assigned to a network interface. It is typically written as six hex octets and is used at the data link layer within a local network. MAC addresses are organized by vendor and may be fixed or changed in some devices.

Addressing relies on international standards and local regulations. Privacy and accuracy concerns exist since addresses reveal location and can be spoofed or misused.