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J277 1.3.2 Addressing and standards

Part 5 of 7 · J277 1.3 · Networks

Why a network needs two kinds of address, and why standards let equipment from different makers work together.

Students will:

  • explain the different uses of IP and MAC addresses
  • recognise IPv4, IPv6 and MAC address formats
  • explain how routers and switches use different addresses
  • explain the principle and purpose of a computing standard
  • apply interoperability to a scenario involving several manufacturers

Inside: 5 explanation cells, 2 multiple-choice questions, 4 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 5 written answers. 48 marks, about 75 minutes.

Series: J277 1.3 · Networks, part 5 of 7.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 16 cells
  • About 75 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026
  • Updated 9 Sept 2026

Preview

The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

Networks 5: IP addresses, MAC addresses and standards

Networks need addresses to identify destinations and agreed rules so equipment and software can work together.

By the end, you should be able to:

  • explain the different uses of IP and MAC addresses
  • recognise the formats of IPv4, IPv6 and MAC addresses
  • explain how routers and switches use different addresses
  • explain the principle and purpose of a computing standard
  • apply interoperability to a scenario involving different manufacturers

OCR does not require differences between static and dynamic IP addresses or between public and private IP addresses. Keep your focus on purpose and format. Work through the explanation, checks and applications in order. Use the final challenge to connect several network ideas.

1. Two kinds of address

An IP address identifies a device or network interface for communication using the Internet Protocol. Routers examine destination IP addresses to forward packets between networks towards the correct destination.

A MAC address is assigned to a network interface. It identifies that interface on a local network. A switch learns MAC addresses and uses them to forward frames towards the correct local interface.

A useful GCSE distinction is:

  • IP address: used to identify and route towards a destination across networks
  • MAC address: used for delivery between interfaces on a local network

A communication can use both. A packet can contain the destination web server's IP address, while the local Ethernet or Wi-Fi frame uses MAC addresses for the next part of its journey on a LAN.

IP and MAC addresses used at different parts of a journey IP addresses support delivery between networks. Within a local network, a switch uses MAC addresses to direct data to the intended device. The diagram does not distinguish public and private or static and dynamic IP addresses. Local network A Local network B switch switch end devicenetwork interface has a MAC address end devicenetwork interface has a MAC address routersbetween networks IP addresses guide data between networks MAC addresses identify interfaces for delivery within a local network.
Fill in the blanks6 marks
A label 1 examines a destination label 2 to forward a packet label 3. A label 4 uses a label 5 to forward a frame on the label 6.
  • local network
  • MAC address
  • between networks
  • DNS server
  • IP address
  • web server
  • switch
  • router

2. Recognising address formats

IPv4

An IPv4 address is 32 bits long. It has four 8-bit sections written as denary numbers from 0 to 255 and separated by full stops.

Example: 192.168.10.24

IPv6

An IPv6 address is 128 bits long. Its full form has eight 16-bit sections, each written as four hexadecimal digits from 0000 to FFFF and separated by colons. The tasks in this worksheet use the full form so that every section is visible.

Example: 2001:0DB8:85A3:0000:0000:8A2E:0370:7334

MAC

MAC stands for Media Access Control. A MAC address is assigned to a network interface controller or card. It is 48 bits long and is normally written as six pairs of hexadecimal digits separated by colons or hyphens.

Example: 3C:52:82:A1:0F:9B

Hexadecimal uses the digits 0 to 9 and the letters A to F.

Fill in the blanks6 marks
An IPv4 address is label 1 and uses label 2 denary sections separated by label 3. An IPv6 address is label 4 and uses label 5 hexadecimal sections separated by label 6.
  • four
  • colons
  • hexadecimal
  • 32-bit
  • full stops
  • 128-bit
  • eight
  • denary
Fill in the blanks5 marks
A label 1 address stands for label 2 and is assigned to a label 3. It is label 4 and is commonly written as label 5 of hexadecimal digits.
  • MAC
  • IP address
  • Media Access Control
  • 48-bit
  • hexadecimal
  • six pairs
  • NIC
Multiple choice, several answers3 marks

Which three could be valid IPv4 addresses? Select three.

  • A192.168.12.7
  • B256.10.4.8
  • C56.1.2.66.1
  • D251.58.3.7
  • E10.20.30.40
  • F172:16:4:205
Written answer2 marks

Write one valid IPv4 address and one valid full-form IPv6 address.

For IPv4, use four denary sections from 0 to 255 separated by full stops. For full-form IPv6, use eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer4 marks

Compare an IP address with a MAC address. Include one difference in purpose and one difference in format.

Use: 'An IP address is used..., whereas a MAC address is used...'. Then compare bit length, number system, sections and separators.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer5 marks

A laptop on a school LAN requests a page from a web server on another network. Explain why both IP addresses and MAC addresses are useful during the journey.

Use two stages: 'Between networks, routers use...' and 'On the local network, switches use...'. You do not need to describe address assignment.

Students type their answer here.

3. Standards make systems compatible

A standard is an agreed set of rules or specifications for an area of computing. When manufacturers and software producers follow the same standard, their products can interact correctly.

This is called interoperability. It allows a computer from one manufacturer to communicate with network equipment from another. It also gives users more choice and reduces the risk of being restricted to one producer.

You need to understand the principle and benefit of standards. OCR does not require detailed knowledge of individual named standards in this section.

Fill in the blanks4 marks
A label 1 provides agreed label 2. Following it allows hardware and software from different label 3 to interact, a benefit called label 4.
  • interoperability
  • rules
  • standard
  • incompatible
  • bandwidth
  • manufacturers
Multiple choice, several answers3 marks

Which are benefits of manufacturers following the same computing standard? Select all that apply.

  • AHardware and software from different producers can interact
  • BUsers have a wider choice of compatible products
  • CEvery network automatically receives unlimited bandwidth
  • DProducts are less likely to be incompatible
  • ESecurity is guaranteed without any other protection
Written answer4 marks

A school buys laptops, switches and wireless access points from three different manufacturers. Explain why computing standards matter in this scenario.

Use: 'A standard provides... Because each manufacturer follows..., the equipment can... This benefits the school because...'.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer6 marks

Challenge: a new network device has the addresses 10.20.30.40 and A4-7B-9C-21-0D-F2. Identify each address, describe its format and explain how agreed standards help the device communicate with equipment from another manufacturer.

Use three short sections: identify the addresses, describe both formats, then explain standards and interoperability.

Students type their answer here.

Final check

Without looking back, write a valid example of an IPv4, full-form IPv6 and MAC address. Label the number system, group count and separator for each. Then explain one purpose difference between IP and MAC addresses.

Check that you can:

  • explain how routers use IP addresses and switches use MAC addresses
  • recognise and produce IPv4, IPv6 and MAC formats
  • compare the purpose and format of IP and MAC addresses
  • define a standard as agreed rules or specifications
  • explain interoperability between hardware and software from different producers