What is a MAC address
A MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communication on a physical network. MAC addresses are usually permanent and are assigned by the manufacturer. They consist of 12 hexadecimal digits (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
MAC addresses are assigned by the manufacturer during the production of a device’s network interface card (NIC). Each MAC address is globally unique, following the standards set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The address consists of 48 bits (12 hexadecimal digits), where the first 24 bits (the Organizationally Unique Identifier or OUI) identify the manufacturer, and the remaining 24 bits are a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer. This ensures no two devices have the same MAC address.
However, there is also the possibility to generate a local, randomized Locally Administered Address (LAA). This approach makes it more difficult to track the same device across different networks by assigning a different MAC address in each network, enhancing privacy and reducing the risk of tracking.
What’s the difference between MAC Address and IP Address?
Someone might be confused about MAC and IP address, so here is a short reference guide with the main differences:
MAC Address:
-
- Permanent: A MAC address is assigned to the network interface card (NIC) by the manufacturer and is hard-coded into the device. It’s unique to that hardware and doesn’t change.
-
- Layer 2: This operates at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model, which is responsible for communication within a local network, like your home Wi-Fi.
-
- Purpose: Used to identify devices within the same local network (like devices connected to the same Wi-Fi router).
IP Address:
-
- Dynamic: An IP address is assigned by a network (usually via DHCP) and can change based on location or network configurations.
-
- Layer 3: This operates at the Network Layer of the OSI model, which is responsible for moving data between different networks, like when you browse the internet.
-
- Purpose: Used to identify devices globally on a network, allowing data to travel from one network to another.
In a typical network scenario, the MAC address is used for communication between devices on the same local network, and IP addresses are used to route traffic between different networks (e.g., from your home network to a website’s server). This combination ensures efficient data transmission and device identification both locally and globally.
The Role of MAC Addresses in Networking
MAC addresses are essential for devices to communicate within a local network. When data is transmitted, devices use MAC addresses to ensure information reaches the correct device. For example, when a router sends data to a device, it uses the MAC address to direct the traffic accurately.
There are three main reasons why MAC address are a fundamental part of the networking:
- Network Identification: MAC addresses uniquely identify devices on a network, allowing routers and switches to send data to the correct recipient.
- Network Security: Some networks implement MAC address filtering, allowing only recognized devices to connect.
- Device Tracking: In network management, MAC addresses help identify specific devices when troubleshooting or monitoring traffic.
How to Find a MAC Address?
A MAC address is usually helpful during network troubleshooting. Finding the MAC address depends on the device type:
- Windows: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all. The MAC address will be listed under “Physical Address.”
- macOS: Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Hardware to view the MAC address.
- Mobile Devices: On iOS, go to Settings > General > About; on Android, navigate to Settings > About Phone > Status.
You can also locate MAC addresses in your router’s interface, but accessing this information requires some technical knowledge. You need to log into the router’s admin panel, and the MAC addresses of connected devices will typically be listed in the DHCP client table or a similar section. This method can be helpful but requires familiarity with router settings and navigation.
As alternative, Fing Desktop offers an easier way to find MAC addresses of devices on your network. Simply scan your Wi-Fi and explore the device list: you will find the MAC address in the device detail page. You can also retrive it through Fing App, if it is linked to Fing Desktop itself or Fing Agent.
MAC address lookup with Fing
In addition to the MAC address identification, Fing Desktop offers the MAC lookup option, to identify a device's brand, type and model from just its MAC address.