5.3.3

MAC Addresses

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MAC Addresses

Every network interface controller (NIC) has a globally unique media access control (MAC) address.

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MAC Address

  • Every network interface controller (NIC) has a globally unique media access control (MAC) address.
  • MAC addresses are assigned when a device is manufactured and cannot be changed once they are assigned.
  • A device with multiple interfaces (e.g. a computer with both WiFi and Ethernet capability) will have multiple MAC addresses.
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Uses of MAC addressing

  • MAC addresses can be used to exchange data on the same local area network (LAN).
  • MAC addresses are also used by switches and NICs to send data to the intended recipient.
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MAC address format

  • MAC addresses used to be 48-bit numbers, although some 64-bit versions have been introduced.
  • MAC addresses are represented as pairs of hexadecimal digits. For example:
    • B8:8D:12:58:77:32 .
  • MAC addresses have a specific format:
    • The first half of the address relates to the manufacturer of the device.
    • The remaining half relates to the individual device that has been produced.

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