A While IP addresses are tried to specific networks, Ethernet addresses are not. Can you think of a good reason why they are not.
Answers
Answer:
If by Ethernet address you mean the MAC address then you need to understand what a MAC address does. The MAC address is a 48 bit (6 octet) number that uniquely identifies a piece of hardware. It is broken into two sections, the 3 octet OUI specific identifier and the 3 octet NIC specific identifier. OUI stands for Organizationally Unique Identifier. The OUI specifies the manufacturer of the device (each manufacturer has a unique OUI). The manufacturers program a unique MAC into each device they manufacture that consists of the OUI plus the unique 3 octet NIC identifier. So when you purchase a device it has a preprogrammed permanent MAC address built in. Yes you can spoof it but you have to go out of your way to do that.
Now why aren’t Ethernet addresses tied to specific networks? Because manufacturers have no idea what network you are going to use this device on. Moreover, if devices were built for just a particular network then you would have to design the internet around fixed devices and this would mean no portability. You would not be able to use your laptop at Starbucks.