MAC Address Explained
PowerCert Animated Videos・2 minutes read
MAC addresses are unique identifiers for network devices, used for communication, while IP addresses are for device location and can change. Devices communicate in local networks using MAC addresses and routers are used to forward data between different networks, requiring the MAC address of the next device in the path.
Insights
- MAC addresses are permanent identifiers for network devices, facilitating communication between them, distinct from IP addresses that can change and are used for device location.
- In local networks, devices rely on MAC addresses for communication, obtained via ARP broadcasts, while in inter-network communication, routers play a crucial role in forwarding data based on MAC addresses of subsequent devices in the path.
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Recent questions
What is a MAC address?
A MAC address is a unique identifier for network devices, consisting of a 6-byte hexadecimal number with the first 3 bytes indicating the manufacturer and the last 3 bytes identifying the device.
How are MAC addresses and IP addresses different?
MAC addresses are permanent identifiers used for devices to communicate with each other, while IP addresses are used to locate devices and can change.
How do devices communicate in a local network?
In a local network, devices communicate using MAC addresses, with ARP broadcasts used to obtain the MAC address of the intended recipient.
How is data forwarded between devices on different networks?
When devices are on different networks, data is forwarded through routers, with each device needing the MAC address of the next device in the path.
How can I find a computer's MAC address?
To find a computer's MAC address, use ipconfig /all on Windows or ifconfig on Linux and MAC computers, with multiple MAC addresses possible depending on network interfaces.
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Summary
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Understanding MAC Addresses in Computer Networks
- MAC address is a unique identifier for network devices, consisting of a 6-byte hexadecimal number with the first 3 bytes indicating the manufacturer and the last 3 bytes identifying the device.
- MAC addresses are permanent and used for devices to communicate with each other, while IP addresses are used to locate devices and can change.
- In a local network, devices communicate using MAC addresses, with ARP broadcasts used to obtain the MAC address of the intended recipient.
- When devices are on different networks, data is forwarded through routers, with each device needing the MAC address of the next device in the path.
- To find a computer's MAC address, use ipconfig /all on Windows or ifconfig on Linux and MAC computers, with multiple MAC addresses possible depending on network interfaces.
