A MAC address is a unique code assigned to hardware that connects to the internet. It consists of six pairs of hexadecimal numbers and is used at the data link layer to allow packets to pass directly between devices. It ensures that each device is unique and allows data to pass between hardware devices. It can also provide additional security for a network. Some service providers require registration of a device’s MAC address.
A Media Access Control address or MAC address is a unique code assigned to each piece of hardware that connects to the Internet. Internet-enabled phones, network interface cards for desktop or notebook computers, wireless access cards, and even some memory cards are among the devices that are assigned MAC addresses.
When a manufacturer creates a network-capable piece of hardware, they will assign the MAC address which usually starts with a manufacturer-related code. The code will be unique for each device, even two devices of the same type.
A device’s MAC address consists of six pairs of hexadecimal numbers. Numbers are separated by colons as in the following example:
6E:51:F5:c1:11:00
MAC addresses are used at the data link layer of the OSI hardware model to allow packets to pass directly between devices on a network. This helps ensure that data is sent to a physical device before being decrypted and/or manipulated by a device.
A MAC address is similar to an IP address that the device also receives in that it ensures that each device is unique and allows data to pass between hardware devices. An IP address allows two devices to communicate across a LAN or network environment: Normally IP addresses should also be unique and allow data to be exchanged.
Once assigned, the MAC address is used to ensure that every device connected to the LAN or other network is unique. With recent advances in wireless networking technology, the address from a wireless card can be entered into the configuration pages for the wireless network router. From there the router can allow or deny the device to connect based on its MAC address. This can provide additional security for your network.
Many people who use network connected devices will never need the MAC address to use the device. Some service providers will require you to register a device address with them to ensure that those who pay for or subscribe to the service are the only users who can connect. In this case, the MAC address is usually found on a sticker on the device. If the device is portable, it may be printed inside the battery compartment.
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