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A media access control (MAC) address provides unique identification for digital devices. In fact, a device can have several MAC addresses because devices need a different address for each network interface. For example, although desktops typically only have one MAC address, laptops often have two. Laptops usually have integrated WiFi in addition to Ethernet ports, giving system configurations two distinct MAC addresses.聽

You鈥檒l typically see a MAC address represented by six groups of two hexadecimal digits. Each is separated by hyphens or colons. For example, if you locate your device鈥檚 MAC address, it could be similar to this: 00:9A:CD:3C:4D:5E.

Fun fact: The first six digits in the address identify the manufacturer of the hardware. For example, you might see:

- CC:46:D6 for Cisco聽

- 3C:5A:B4 for Google, Inc.

- 3C:D9:2B for Hewlett Packard

- 00:9A:CD for Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

What is a MAC address used for?

A MAC address identifies different devices using the same local network, such as computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, and more. When you go online, networking protocols use this address at the data link layer to ensure data packets go to the right place.聽

Including the MAC address in the packet header allows routers and switches to route the data correctly without you having to do anything on your end.

How is a MAC address different from an IP address?

Your MAC address and internet protocol (IP) address both identify your particular device on a network, but they differ in how they route data. The MAC address routes data to your devices on that network. You can鈥檛 change your MAC addresses because it鈥檚 a permanent identifier linked to the physical hardware.聽

On the other hand, an IP address lets you route data to outside networks. Plus, it can change. For instance, if you trade in your smartphone, the new one could use the same IP address when you set it up. Or, if you change your network setup, you might have a different IP address for the same device.

Benefits of MAC addresses

MAC addresses offer several advantages:

• Makes identifying and managing local network devices easy聽

• Widely used and supported, making MAC addresses compatible with many systems

• Helps streamline device communication on a network to allow for efficient communication without additional routing or addressing at the network layer

IT personnel can use MAC addresses to enhance security by only allowing network access to authorised devices. The unique identifications can also make troubleshooting easier, as it鈥檚 possible to track down the source of a problem using the hardware address.聽

Keep in mind: Because manufacturers assign MAC addresses at the time of the device鈥檚 manufacture, you can鈥檛 easily change them. At the same time, MAC addresses lack encryption, which opens the door to someone intercepting them. It鈥檚 possible for someone to spoof MAC addresses relatively easily. This vulnerability can leave networks vulnerable to unauthorised devices and access.聽

Related terms

• CPU

• Router

• Command-line interface

• Patch panel

• Firewall

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MAC addresses help ensure that data is sent and received properly. Although you can change your MAC address for security or privacy purposes, it can potentially cause connectivity issues.聽

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