MAC vs. IP addresses?

MAC (Media Access Control) addresses and IP (Internet Protocol) addresses are both essential components of network communication, each serving distinct purposes in ensuring data delivery and device identification.
MAC addresses are unique identifiers assigned to network interfaces at the hardware level. They are hardcoded into the network interface card (NIC) by the manufacturer and serve as permanent identifiers for devices on a local network. Unlike IP addresses, MAC addresses do not change and are used primarily for local network communication, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections. They facilitate the transmission of data between devices within the same network segment.