This interactive lesson describes how both MAC addresses and IP addresses are necessary for requested website data to travel from a web server to your device. Routers need your public IP address to deliver the website data to the correct default gateway. Then the default gateway router needs your unique identifier, the MAC address, to get the website data to your device rather than other devices on the local area network (LAN). The lesson compares the request and delivery of data packets to the ordering and delivery of pizzas, and it includes multiple interactive activities.

This interactive lesson was made possible by funding from National Science Foundation Grant # DUE 1601612 at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey – PI Mike Qaissaunee, with contributions from Dr. John Sands & Susan Sands of Moraine Valley Community College and Jaime Mahoney of Bunker Hill Community College.

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