What is MAC Address: Explanation
By Prempal Singh
In a LAN (Local Area Network) or another network, the Media Access Control (MAC) address is your computer’s unique hardware number. A MAC address is a unique identifier for network interfaces. The MAC address is the 12-bit hexadecimal number(48-bit number). It is written in the following format.
- MM:MM:MM:MM:SS:SS:SS:SS
- MM-MM-MM-MM-SS-SS-SS-SS
The first half of the MAC (24 bit) contains the ID number of adapter Manufacturer.
The second half (24 MORE BITS) of a MAC address represents the serial number assigned to the adapter by the manufacturer. An Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) is a 24-bit number that uniquely identifies a vendor or manufacturer.
How to Find Your System MAC Address
Windows Vista, Windows 7:
- Click the Start button.
- In the Run text box, type cmd. This will open the command window.
- At the command prompt, type
ipconfig /all.
Linux/Unix:
Finding the MAC address varies across the different Linux/Unix operating systems.
ifconfig -a
Macintosh OS 10.4 and higher:
- From the Apple icon in the upper left-hand corner of the desktop, select System Preferences.
- From the Internet & Wireless section, select Network.
- From the AirPort menu, click Advanced.
- At the bottom of the AirPort tab, the MAC address is listed as AirPort ID.
Note: If this does not work, please refer to the instruction manuals available for your particular operating system.