What type of address does IP use for forwarding packets?

The correct response emphasizes that IP (Internet Protocol) uses a four-byte destination address for forwarding packets. This four-byte address is commonly referred to as an IP address, specifically in the IPv4 format, where it consists of four octets, each ranging from 0 to 255. This structure allows the network to identify devices uniquely within a given network, ensuring that data packets can be sent to the correct destination.

When a device wants to communicate over the Internet, it uses this four-byte destination address within the IP header of the packet to guide the data to the intended recipient. Routers and networking devices read this IP address to determine the correct path for the packet, allowing for effective routing across various networks.

In contrast, MAC addresses are used for local network communication within the same segment and are not involved in the routing process across different networks. Hostnames serve as human-readable labels mapped to IP addresses but are not used in the actual packet forwarding process. Lastly, a physical location does not play a role in packet forwarding; instead, logical addresses (like IP addresses) are critical in routing data between devices across the internet.