IP Address vs MAC Address: Know the Difference for Stronger Network Security

When it comes to network security, tiny details count. One of the most core but often confused subjects is understanding the difference between IP and MAC address. If you are taking a course in network security or want to improve your skillset with Fortinet firewall training, it is crucial that you understand how both these identifiers work.

At UniNets, we make sure that all the learners—all levels—from novice to professional grasp both the theory and practical usage of IP and MAC addresses as part of our overall network security training courses.

What Is an IP Address? An IP address is a numeric alias applied to each device to be connected to a computer network utilizing the Internet Protocol. Its primary purposes are:

Identifying the host or device on the network

Determining the device’s location within the network

There are two versions:

IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.1)

IPv6 (e.g., 2001:db8::ff00:42:8329)

IP addresses can be dynamic (changes with each network connection) or static (remains constant). This is essential knowledge in Fortinet firewall training, where managing IPs is crucial for policy configuration.

What Is a MAC Address? A MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a hardware identifier that a manufacturer gives to the network interface card (NIC) of a device. It is static and identifies a device uniquely on a local network.

A MAC address usually appears something like this: 00:14:22:01:23:45

Whereas an IP address can be changed, a MAC address is fixed and hence of use in device authentication and location identification within a local network. During Fortigate course training at UniNets, we instruct how MAC-based access control protects a network.

Why It's Important to Know the Difference Between IP and MAC Address The difference between IP and MAC address isn't theoretical—it is critical to protecting modern networks.

IP address is employed to forward data between networks (Layer 3 of OSI model).

MAC address is employed to transmit data in a local network (Layer 2 of OSI model).

Spoofing both types of addresses can be done by attackers to evade security policies. That is why our network security course in UniNets covers instruction on spoofing detection and applying filters and firewall rules against both IP and MAC addresses.

How to Get Laptop MAC Address Whether you're auditing network devices or setting up filters in Fortinet firewall course labs, how to get laptop MAC address is a fundamental skill every network security student needs to learn.

For Windows users: Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig /all

Locate the "Physical Address" under the active network adapter—this is your MAC address.

For macOS users:

System Preferences > Network

On your active connection, click and select Advanced

Go to the Hardware tab to see your MAC address.

This is often done in UniNets' hands-on labs during Fortigate courses where actual devices are filtered and viewed.

MAC Address to Vendor Lookup Another of the more advanced but extremely useful methods learned at UniNets is how to do a MAC address to vendor lookup.

Every MAC address has an Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI)—the first three bytes—which specifies the manufacturer of the device. This can be applied to:

Determining unauthorized devices

Verifying connected hardware

Troubleshooting unfamiliar MACs on a network

A number of online resources enable you to cut and paste a MAC address and immediately determine the vendor. This is a critical step learned in our Fortinet firewall training, where identifying the types of devices on your network can be essential for security and compliance.

IP and MAC Addresses in Network Security Both the IP and MAC addresses are crucial in a secure network configuration. They are not mutually replaceable but rather complement each other to facilitate correct routing and device-level communication.

At UniNets, through our network security training, students learn to:

Develop IP- and MAC-based filtering rules

Set up DHCP reservations and static IPs

Identify and counter MAC/IP spoofing attacks

Configure policies in Fortinet and Fortigate firewalls using both types of addresses

Firewalls such as Fortigate enable you to configure device identification rules by MAC addresses and traffic policies by IPs. Our Fortigate training provides students with real-world examples on which they can practice the same.

Fortinet and Fortigate Training at UniNets UniNets provides world-class Fortinet firewall training and Fortigate training that helps students develop comprehensive knowledge and skills. Through the training, students obtain access to:

Real-time lab environments

FortiOS interface and CLI management

Security policy creation based on IP/MAC

Traffic shaping, VPN setup, and monitoring of devices

All Fortinet firewall training at UniNets is certification aligned and features hands-on knowledge on the application of MAC and IP addresses in threat protection, device identification, and traffic management.

Why Do Network Security Courses at UniNets? Here's why UniNets is your go-to network security course:

Expert Instructors with extensive industry and training background

Comprehensive Course that addresses both beginner and expert-level material

Hands-On Labs simulating real-world situations with Fortinet, Cisco, and others

Placement Support & Guidance for Certification to advance your career in cybersecurity

From complete beginners to those who wish to gain expert-level Fortinet firewall training, UniNets offers customized programs to guide you.

Conclusion Knowing the difference between MAC address and IP address is a step towards establishing a sound foundation in network security. The two are not mere theories but have direct influence on how devices interact, security policies are implemented, and threats are counteracted.

Enrolling for a network security course in UniNets will teach you:

How to implement firewalls by IP/MAC

How to identify and prevent spoofing attacks

How to do MAC address to vendor lookups

And how to retrieve laptop MAC address on different systems

With our expert Fortigate training and Fortinet firewall course, you'll also acquire real-world skills that make you stand out in the job market.