võrguadressi

Võrguadressi, commonly translated as network address, is a unique identifier assigned to a device on a computer network. It serves to distinguish one device from another, enabling the routing of data packets to their intended destinations. There are two primary types of network addresses: logical addresses and physical addresses.

Logical addresses, such as IP addresses, are assigned by network administrators or dynamically assigned by protocols like DHCP. They operate at the network layer and are hierarchical, allowing for efficient routing across complex networks. IP addresses are essential for the internet to function, enabling communication between devices globally.

Physical addresses, often referred to as MAC addresses, are hardware-embedded identifiers assigned by the manufacturer of a network interface card (NIC). They operate at the data link layer and are globally unique, ensuring that each network device can be identified at a local network level. MAC addresses are used for communication within a local network segment.

The distinction between logical and physical addresses is crucial for understanding network communication. While MAC addresses handle local delivery, IP addresses manage routing across different networks. This layered approach allows for flexibility and scalability in network design. Understanding network addresses is fundamental to comprehending how data travels across the internet and local area networks.