Understanding how devices communicate across networks using IP addresses. Logical addressing enables data packets to travel from source to destination across multiple interconnected networks.
Logical Addressing is a method of identifying devices using IP Addresses. Unlike physical addresses (MAC addresses), logical addresses can be changed and are used for communication between networks.
A unique logical identifier assigned to every device in a network. Example: 192.168.1.10
Logical Addressing operates at the Network Layer (Layer 3) of the OSI Model.
Routers use logical addresses to determine the best path for forwarding packets.
Imagine sending a letter from Hyderabad to Delhi. The house address on the envelope helps the postal system route the letter correctly.
Similarly, in networking, an IP address acts as the logical address that helps routers deliver data packets to the correct destination.
| Feature | Logical Address | Physical Address |
|---|---|---|
| Example | IP Address | MAC Address |
| OSI Layer | Network Layer | Data Link Layer |
| Can Change? | Yes | No (Usually Fixed) |
| Used For | Inter-Network Communication | Local Network Communication |
Enables communication across different networks worldwide.
Helps routers find optimal paths for packet delivery.
Supports billions of devices through IPv4 and IPv6.