Overview
Given the importance of Mac addresses in the field of computers and data processing, understanding their function is a must as we examine the specifics of Mac addresses. The Internet is nothing more than a massive network composed of several smaller, interconnected networks! Every network starts with its linked devices, which can be any kind of device—desktops, laptops, printers, or mobile phones.
The overwhelming quantity of devices in use is the problem with networks, though. Because of this, each device connected to a network needs a special way to be identified, both inside networks and amongst devices that are physically next to each other. For that, we also have the MAC address.
The topic of MAC addresses is covered in this article. We’ll address crucial queries like “What is my MAC address?” and “What is a MAC address used for?” We will examine the many types, formats, and attributes of MAC addresses in addition to the distinctions between MAC and IP addresses. We will also discuss how to determine the MAC address of your device and the need for each to be unique.
What is a mac address (MAC)?
A device’s physical address, sometimes referred to as its MAC address, is what gives it a unique identity on a particular network. Hardware address, physical address, and burned-in address (BIA) are other terms for Media Access Control (MAC). On the data connection layer of the OSI model, the MAC address functions. A layer 2 communication technique called Address Resolution Technique (ARP) converts MAC addresses to IP (Internet Mechanism) addresses.
The data connection layer is split into two sublayers by the IEEE 802 standard:
- Logical Link Control (LLC) sublayer
- Media Access Control’s sublayer (MAC)
The MAC address is utilized by the Media Access Control (MAC) sublayer.
A MAC is assigned to the Network Interface Card (NIC) found on every device connected to the Internet. The number is incorporated into the NIC during device production, provided by the vendor (hence the term “burned in”). It usually can’t be altered.
Definition of MAC Address: MAC Address Structure
Keep in mind that the MAC address is hardcoded into the NIC at the time of manufacturing; therefore, it cannot be changed. Since the MAC address is globally unique, two devices cannot share it. Each device has a MAC, which is shown in hexadecimal format as follows: 00:0a:45:2e:52:28. This 12-digit, 48-bit integer is also known as a 6-byte hexadecimal number. This division consists of six octets, each containing eight bits.
The Organization Unique Identifier (OUI) takes up the first 24 bits, or three octets, while the next 24 bits are vendor-specific and burned into the NIC. Here are some examples of OUIs from reliable vendors:
Cisco: CC:46:D6
3C:5A:B4 on Google
Packard Hewlett: 3C:D9:2B
Every vendor or organization receives an OUI from the IEEE Registration Authority Committee in order to prevent duplication.
For MAC addresses, there are three formats available:
1. 00-1s-99-f1-d2-4f is the Hyphen-Hexadecimal notation.
2. The notation in colon-hexadecimal is 00:1s:99:f1:d2:4f.
3. Hexadecimal notation is divided by periods: 001.s99.f1d.24f.
How to Determine a Device’s MAC Address
By now, you may be wondering how to find your device’s MAC address. If the device is Windows-based, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Window Start or press the Windows key.
2. A box for searching will appear. To launch the command prompt, type “cmd.”
3. Press the Enter key. Next, type “ipconfig/all command” at the prompt and press Enter.
4. A screen will open with a ton of information shown. Scroll down to find the physical address. That’s your MAC address.
If you have a Mac address system, follow these steps:
1. Click the Apple symbol or open the Apple Menu to enter System Preferences.
2. From the System Preferences menu, choose Network.
3. One opens a network box using the box.
4. From the menu, choose the Wi-Fi setup. The MAC address of your device is then displayed there, along with the Wi-Fi or Airport addresses.
The differences between a MAC address and an IP address
In order for two networked devices to communicate with each other, they require both the IP and MAC addresses. Even though they do it in different ways, these two addresses identify the same network device. The device’s MAC address identifies it locally, whereas its IP address identifies it globally. The MAC address is not included in the data stream when packets leave the device’s network; it is only relevant to the Local Area Network (LAN) to which the device is attached.
A Media Access Control Address’s Features
These are some other things about MAC addresses that you should know. As you may already know, an Ethernet MAC address is a 48-bit binary number that is represented by 12 hexadecimal digits, with four bits in each hexadecimal digit.
Because MAC addresses are flat, they cannot be routed across the Internet.
MAC addresses are not used with serial interfaces.
There is no host or network component in MAC addresses.
The frame is sent to the specified device using MAC addresses.
Why Is a Different MAC Address Required in a Local Area Network?
The network won’t function if several devices on a LAN have the same MAC address.
Switches, for instance, link Devices Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie to a network. 01100BDD64GB, 11100ACB68GC, and 11100ACB68GC are the corresponding MAC addresses. The NICs on the Alpha and Charlie devices have the same MAC address, as you can see. Bravo is able to transmit a data frame to 11100ACB68GC; however, the switch will not forward the data frame to the intended recipient since it can reach two different addresses.
In summary, the network will fail if no device on it can be uniquely recognized from the others using its MAC address.
Encouraging Network Communication
A MAC address, also known as a medium access control address, is given to each unique network interface controller (NIC). This network address may be utilized for intranetwork communication. This explains why the majority of IEEE 802 networking technologies—such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth—are used often. MAC addresses are utilized in the data link layer’s medium access control protocol sublayer in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) network model. MAC addresses are often represented as six sets of two hexadecimal numbers, either without a separator or separated by a colon or hyphen.
MAC addresses are also known as the manufacturer’s address, burned-in address, physical address, or Ethernet hardware address. Each address may be stored by a software mechanism or the interface hardware, such as its read-only memory. However, a number of network interfaces allow you to modify the MAC address. The organizationally unique identity (OUI) of a manufacturer is frequently included in their address. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is in charge of overseeing EUI-48, which has replaced the antiquated MAC-48, and EUI-64, which are the concepts around which MAC addresses are constructed.
However, within a network, device location and communication are made possible via MAC addresses.
MAC addresses are used by switches and routers to route data packets to the right target device.
Conclusion
Since MAC addresses allow for communication and distinct device identification, they are essential parts of computer networking. Comprehending their objective is crucial for network administration, configuration, and safety. MAC addresses are and will always be necessary to ensure safe and effective network operations, regardless of how technology advances. These multi-monitor configurations are accessible to everyone.
