What is a MAC address?

While IP addresses have become a household term, there's an equally important digital identifier that deserves our attention - the MAC address. In this article, we aim to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of networking. Join us as we delve deeper into the world of MAC addresses, understanding their significance in safeguarding our online experiences

What is a MAC address?

MAC stands for Media Access Control. The MAC address is a 48-bit hardware address of a computer device. The MAC address is considered the physical address of a network device such as a computer, phone, or router.

 

This is similar to wanting to go to someone's house; you need to know the address of that house. The MAC address will not change unless you change the hardware of the device.

How is the MAC address different from the IP address?

Purpose

  • The MAC address is used to identify the hardware of the device, and it does not change when you switch network connections.

  • The IP address is used to identify the device when it connects to a network, and it will change when you switch network connections.

Uniqueness

  • Each device has a unique MAC address.

  • IP addresses can be duplicated since many IPs are shared and used among different devices.

Function

  • The MAC address is assigned by the manufacturer to the device, and it only changes when you replace the device.

  • The IP address changes depending on the device you use to connect to the network; if you use a 3G/4G SIM or rotating proxies, the IP address will change each time you reconnect to the network.

How to find the MAC address?

You can find the MAC address in one of the following sections on your device:

  • System settings

  • General information

  • Network settings

  • Network status

  • On the label at the bottom of the device (sometimes the MAC address is printed there)

Note: Manufacturers may use different names for the MAC address, such as Hardware ID, Physical Address, Wireless ID, WiFi Address, etc.

How to find the MAC address on a computer and phone?

Windows Operating System

  • Select Start → Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.

  • Click on the network you want to view the MAC address.

  • Click on Details. The MAC address will be listed under Physical Address.

MacOS

  • Select System Preferences from the menu.

  • Click on Network and then click on the network you want to view the MAC address.

  • Click on Advanced.

  • Finally, click on Hardware. The MAC address will be listed there.

Linux

  • Open a terminal or console window.

  • Enter ifconfig. The MAC address will be listed as HWaddr in the format 12:34:56:78:AB.

iOS

  • To view the device's MAC address, go to Settings → General → About. Then scroll down to WiFi Address.

  • To view the MAC address of the wireless connection, go to Settings → WiFi → then click on the "i" next to your wireless network. Then scroll down to WiFi Address.

Android

  • To view the device's MAC address, go to Menu → Settings → About Phone/Device. Click on Status or Hardware Information. Then scroll down to MAC WiFi Address.

  • To check the MAC address of the wireless connection, go to Menu → Settings → Connections. Click on the WiFi name, then click on "View More." Finally, scroll down to MAC Address.

Note: The names of these items may vary depending on the manufacturer of your phone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope this exploration has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the MAC address and its distinct role alongside the more familiar IP address. As an unchanging hardware identifier, the MAC address serves as a digital fingerprint, ensuring the seamless functioning of devices within networks. Being in the know about both will help you stay ahead in the tech game and keep your online journey worry-free.

 

For other helpful information and reviews, refer to our IPFighter’s blog.

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