Eli5 Whats the difference between a MAC address a IP address and IMEI address?

Question

Is there one universal way to identify all electronics?

What is each one used for?

I got as far as understanding that an IP address can be changed and it’s recognized/used for networking and MAC addresses are physically imprinted on hardware but then why do we have IMEI?
Can you share an example where a (lay) person would use each of them?

Are there additional identifiers for electronics ?

TIA

In: 0

Answer 1

IMEI stands for international mobile equipment identifier, and is akin to a human fingerprint, as there are no two alike. Its a 15 digit number that uniquely identifies a mobile device, or GSM handset. Those numbers are developed and managed by the GSM association, which is basically the oversight commission for IMEI.
Based on this number, your device can be identified, tracked and located. A mobile carrier can use it to determine if the device is valid, locked/unlocked, stolen, etc.. and they can also activate/deactivate the devices access to their mobile network. Lastly, the IMEI can and is used by govt and law enforcement for geo location efforts. Everytime your phone hits a cell tower, your IMEI is logged.

Answer 2

IMEI stands for international mobile equipment identifier, and is akin to a human fingerprint, as there are no two alike. Its a 15 digit number that uniquely identifies a mobile device, or GSM handset. Those numbers are developed and managed by the GSM association, which is basically the oversight commission for IMEI.
Based on this number, your device can be identified, tracked and located. A mobile carrier can use it to determine if the device is valid, locked/unlocked, stolen, etc.. and they can also activate/deactivate the devices access to their mobile network. Lastly, the IMEI can and is used by govt and law enforcement for geo location efforts. Everytime your phone hits a cell tower, your IMEI is logged.