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Is an IP address part of the computer?

mcarnes

mcarnes

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Is an IP address part of the computer or part of the internet provider? That is, if I change internet providers my IP address changes, right?

Got in a discussion about this in class and someone said it was a permanent ID on the computer...
 
The MAC address is part of the equipment/hardware, and is the permanent ID burned into your computer.

You'll see it printed on a sticker on your machine somewhere, which is why some networks keep a list of banned MAC addresses of the network abusers.

The IP address is part of the network, and can change depending on how the network is set up.
 
mcarnes said:
Is an IP address part of the computer or part of the internet provider? That is, if I change internet providers my IP address changes, right?

Got in a discussion about this in class and someone said it was a permanent ID on the computer...
Click to expand...

You go back and correct them!

IP address is not part of the computer, it is simply borrowed (if you will) from the network infrastructure to utilize the network.
 
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