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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: 3 text sections, 3 multiple-choice activities, 2 completion activities, 5 written answers. 18 marks. Suggested teaching time: 40–60 minutes. 1 diagram.

Includes a teacher guide with suggested sections, timings and common misconceptions.

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

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 13 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026
  • Updated 27 Oct 2026

Preview

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

Addressing and standards

An address helps data reach the right destination. A standard helps products work together. These are different jobs.

1. Two address jobs

An IP address identifies a device or network interface for communication using the Internet Protocol. A router uses the destination IP address to forward packets between networks.

A MAC address is assigned to a network interface, such as a network card. A switch uses MAC addresses to direct data to the intended interface on a local network. A communication can use both kinds of address.

Two address jobs A router uses an IP address to forward a packet between networks. A switch uses a MAC address to direct data to an interface on a local network. The cards compare purposes, not two separate choices for a whole communication. IP address Destination across networks A router uses it to forward a packet towards its destination. MAC address Interface on a local network A switch uses it to direct data to the intended local interface.
Fill in the blanks4 marks
A Answer 1 forwards data between networks using an Answer 2. A Answer 3 directs local data using a Answer 4.
  • MAC address
  • router
  • IP address
  • switch
  • DNS server
  • web server
Multiple choice1 mark

A switch needs to direct data to a particular network card on its LAN. Which address does it use?

  • AThe website's domain name
  • BThe network card's MAC address
  • CThe user's email address
  • DThe file's storage address

2. Recognise the formats

AddressFormat and example
IPv432 bits: four denary groups, each 0–255, separated by full stops. Example: 172.21.4.83.
IPv6128 bits: eight groups of four hexadecimal digits in full form, separated by colons. Example: 2001:0DB8:0042:0000:0000:0000:0000:0007.
MACUsually 48 bits: six pairs of hexadecimal digits, separated by colons or hyphens. Example: 7C:2A:B0:14:8D:63.

Hexadecimal uses 0–9 and A–F. In IPv6, leading zeros in a group can be omitted. One run of zero groups can be shortened using :: once. The full form above makes all eight groups visible. MAC means Media Access Control.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which example has the correct IPv4 format?

  • A172.21.4.300
  • B172:21:4:83
  • C172.21.4.83
  • D172.21.4.83.5
Written answer1 mark

Create one example of an IPv4 address.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer1 mark

Create one example of an IPv6 address.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

Describe two features of the usual MAC address format. You may give a correctly formatted example instead.

Students type their answer here.

3. Make products work together

A standard is an agreed set of rules or specifications for an area of computing. Products that follow compatible standards can interact, even when different manufacturers make them. This is called interoperability.

For example, a school can replace a network device with a compatible product from another manufacturer. It has more choice and is less dependent on one supplier. Standards do not mean that all products must be identical.

Multiple choice1 mark

What is the purpose of manufacturers following a common network standard?

  • ATo make all devices the same size
  • BTo remove the need for network addresses
  • CTo guarantee that a network never fails
  • DTo allow compatible devices to communicate and work together
Written answer3 marks

A youth theatre buys laptops and network equipment from different manufacturers. Explain why compatible standards are useful to the theatre.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

A college laptop accesses a server on another network. Describe how the router and the switch on the laptop's LAN use addresses to direct the data.

Students type their answer here.

Fill in the blanks2 marks
Without using the table, name each kind of address. (a) 202.18.5.91: Answer 1 (b) 86-A1-4F-0B-27-D8: Answer 2