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MAC (Media Access Control) Address (also known as hardware or physical address)
is a unique address assigned by the manufacturer to define the adapter on a
network.It’s basically a 12 digit HEX number and in the format as below :
MM-MM-MM-SS-SS-SS
The first half of MAC Address represents the manufacturer of the adapter such
as Toshiba, Intel etc. and the second part is the serial number assigned to the
adapter by the manufacturer.
Why do we need it ?
It allows computers uniquely identifies each other in a computer network at a
low layer which is data link layer (Layer 2 of OSI model) whereas the IP
address is a network layer address. You may also think that IP address is a
software and MAC address is hardware implementation of network addresses.
How to find your MAC Address ?
MAC address lookup for Windows :
To find your MAC address of your computer from command line:
1)Openyourcommandwindow(Start->Run->Type “cmd” and enter)
2) Type "ipconfig/all"
3) The field “Physical Address” is your MAC address
To find your MAC address from Windows Start Menu :
1) Open "My network places" either from (Start -> My network places) or
(Start -Control Panel -> My Networks Places)
2) Right click on "Local Area Connection" and select "Status"
3) Go to "Support" and and click on "Details"
4) Physical address field is your MAC address
MAC address lookup for MAC OS X :
1) Click "System Preferences" from menu and select network.
2) Click on "Airport" or "Built-in-Ethernet" depending how you access internet.
MAC address is displayed as "Airport ID" or "Ethernet ID"
MAC address lookup for Linux :
1) Login as root user and type "ifconfig -a"
2) Find the number next to "HWaddr", this is your MAC address.
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