Why Are IP Addresses Called Logical Addresses? | WIMIA

You may already know that IP addresses are unique identifiers that are assigned to devices that access computer networks. An IP address is a string of numbers separated by periods, which looks like this: 192.168.1.1. But IP addresses are actually abstract, logical identifiers, not physical locations. Unlike MAC addresses, which are permanently attached to a specific NIC chip in a device, IP addresses can change. This is what makes them “logical addresses,” as opposed to “physical addresses.” Let’s take a look at the logical nature of IP addresses – and a few important details about how IP addresses work. IP addresses are not permanently tied to any specific computer or device. Rather they can be assigned to different devices, as needed by the network, and these numbers can be changed. Some examples of these reassignments: The IP address is simply an abstract identifier. Networks use IP addresses to communicate, and those IP addresses can change as you move from one network to another. Let’s talk about that string of numbers that makes up an IP address. Is it random? Not really! The format of an IP address contains both network and host identifiers. Let’s say your IP address is 192.168.1.5. This means that 192.168.1 is the network ID, and 5 is the host ID on that network. This number scheme reflects the logical network topology and allows IP addresses to be structured hierarchically. Devices on the same network share the same network ID, but they need to be differentiated from another nonetheless. This numbering system helps to efficiently route traffic between network segments. Network communication models like TCP/IP and OSI are structured in layers, and each layer has a specific role. IP operates at the network layer in these models. The network layer focuses on logical communication between devices, and it determines how to route data based on IP addresses. The lower layer (AKA: the physical layer) in these models deal with physically transmitting data over cables, wireless signals, and hardware. The network layer can operate independently from the lower layers by using logical IP addresses to communicate in abstraction. This separation of concerns that is provided by the layered structure is what allows the network layer of TCP/IP and OSI models route data without worrying about the physical connections. There are many fundamental networking protocols (TCP, UDP, and ICMP, for example) that work in conjunction with IP addresses. Here’s how: Thanks to IP addresses, these standards are able to function and communicate at the network layer, independently of physical transmission details. Again, this is part of why IP addresses are called logical, as opposed to physical. Let’s take a look at the differences between IP addresses and MAC addresses. Specifically, IP addresses are logical, whereas MAC addresses are physical. MAC stands for Media Access Control, and they are the physical hardware identifiers assigned to network adapters and devices. More precisely, they are assigned to a chip within those adapters and devices. In contrast to IP addresses that can change, MAC addresses are permanently associated with their chips. This is because MAC addresses are hardcoded. They are programmed into the network interface controller (NIC) chip of a device. This occurs at the point of manufacture; MAC addresses provide a unique physical identifier for each network adapter, and it remains fixed for the device’s entire lifetime. There are a handful of other permanent addresses: IMEI Number: The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number uniquely identifies a specific mobile phone handset. It is factory-assigned and permanent. You have a few options for how your IP address may be assigned. First, DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. In this case, it dynamically assigns an IP address from a pool as a device joins a network. This is often used for home networks and WiFi. Second, “static allocation” is a specific and permanent IP address that is manually configured to a device. This is used for servers, printers, etc. The DNS (Domain Name System) helps to map domain names to IPs and can be updated as addresses change. IP addresses are “logical” because they are software-based identifiers, not physical identifiers that are tied to physical hardware. Their abstract and configurable nature allows networks great flexibility and efficiency. As a review: Although physical limitations still exist, the logical nature of IP addressing enables the automated, versatile networking infrastructure we rely on today! Logical address, also referred to as an IP (Internet Protocol) address, is a universal addressing system. It is used in the Network layer. This address facilitates universal communication that is not dependent on the underlying physical networks. There are two types of IP addresses – IPv4 and IPv6. The Logical Address is generated by the CPU while the program is running, whereas the Physical Address is the location inside the main memory. The Logical Address is virtual, while the Physical Address is the actual address of the memory.