An example of a MAC address is 30-65-EC-6F-C4-58. The format is six sets of two digits or characters, separated by hyphens.įor convenience, most computers list Media Access Control Address as 12-digit hexadecimal numbers. The Media Access Control Address is formed in accordance with the rules of the three numbering namespaces, which are managed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). When you’re connected to the Internet from your computer (or host as the Internet protocol thinks of it), a correspondence table relates your IP address to your computer’s Media Access Control Address (physical) address on the LAN.
The term unicast is simply a formal way to refer to the fact that the address represents one interface to the Ethernet LAN.Įach device Media Access Control Address should be unique in order to send/receive data successfully. Media Access Control Address represents a single NIC or Ethernet port, so these addresses are often called a unicast Ethernet address. In the OSI model, MAC addresses occur in the Media Access Control protocol sub-layer. It distinguishes different network interfaces and is used for a number of network technologies, particularly most IEEE 802 networks, including Ethernet.
MAC Address is manufactured into every network card, such as an Ethernet card or Wi-Fi card, and therefore cannot be changed.
