What is My Computer's IP Address (MAC)?

When it comes to understanding your computer's IP address, there are two main types: dynamic and static addresses. A static address is a permanently assigned address that remains the same, while a dynamic address is changed automatically each time you connect to the internet.

An IP address can be either IPv4 or IPv6. IPv6 raised the number of possible addresses from 232 (under 4.3 billion) to an astonishing 2,128 possible addresses. Under IPv4, there are only 32 bits to identify a unique internet address, which caused concerns that we'd run out of IP addresses before long.

To understand your computer's IPv4 or IPv6 address, you can follow these steps:

1. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network (under 'Internet and Wireless').

2. Make sure you're looking at your ethernet interface and not your wireless interface.

3. Click on the Advanced button on the right and then the Hardware tab.

4. Select the ethernet interface from the left side.

Alternatively, you can use a command window to find your IP address:

1. Type `ipconfig /all` in the command window for PCs running Windows 8 and later.

2. For PCs running Windows 7 and earlier, go to Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > DOS Command Prompt.

Your computer's MAC address is its unique identifier that identifies it on a network. It is a 12-digit hexadecimal number usually delimited by colons, e.g., `XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX`. To find your MAC address:

1. Type `networksetup -listallhardwareports` in the Terminal.

2. Click on the Advanced button and then the Hardware tab.

3. Make sure the ethernet interface is selected from the left side.

In conclusion, understanding your computer's IP address and MAC address can help you troubleshoot network issues and identify your device on a network.

What is my computer's ip address mac