A MAC address, also known as a Physical Address or Ethernet ID, is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to every device connected to a network. There isn’t any API that can collect MAC Addresses.
And if you are Making Money Online (MMO), you don’t have to worry because there aren’t any websites checking this information. But there are other ways to check if your device is unique or not. Websites use these ways to track you online. You can read about it in our new blog here.
So let’s find out what is a MAC Address and how to change it!
What is MAC Address?
Whenever you connect to the Internet, it takes both network software and hardware to transfer data from one computer to another or from server to computer. And in the end, to transfer the right data to you, it comes down to MAC Addresses.
Along with IP Address (which is network software), MAC Address is a hardware address. MAC Address tied to a connection device in your computer called Network Interface Card (NIC). The NIC is a computer circuit card that makes it possible for your computer to connect to the Internet.
Every NIC has a hardware address that is known as a MAC (Media Access Control). Where IP Addresses are associated with TCP/IP (networking software), MAC addresses are linked to the hardware of the network adapter.
A MAC Address is given to the network adapter when manufactured and is unique to it. Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) translates an IP Address into a MAC Address. Once again, that’s hardware and software working together, IP Address and MAC Address working together. For this reason, the MAC Address is sometimes called Networking Hardware Address or Physical Address.
Here’s an example of MAC Address: 07:0a:95:2d:a8:16.
The application of MAC Addresses
A MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for use as a network address in communications within a network. Here are some of the common uses of MAC addresses:
- Network Identification: MAC addresses are used to identify devices on a network. When a device communicates with another device on the same network, it uses the MAC address to send and receive data. DHCP servers use the MAC address to identify devices and give some devices fixed IP addresses.
- Network Security: MAC addresses can be used as a security feature to restrict access to a network. For example, routers can be configured to only allow devices with specific MAC addresses to connect to the network.
- Data Transference: MAC Addresses help transfer data correctly. Packets sent on ethernet are always coming from a MAC Address and sent to a MAC Address. If the addresses match, the packets are processed, otherwise, it is discarded.
- Access Controlling: Wireless access points often use MAC addresses for access control. They only allow access for known devices (MAC address is unique and identifies devices) with the correct passphrase.
- Device Management: MAC addresses can be used to manage devices on a network. Network administrators can use MAC addresses to track the devices that are connected to the network and to troubleshoot network problems.
- Location Tracking: In some cases, MAC addresses can be used to track the physical location of a device. This is commonly used in location-based services, such as providing directions to a user's current location.
How to find your MAC address?
MAC addresses are typically located in the system settings, general information, or network settings and status of a device. They may also be referred to by other names, such as physical address, hardware ID, wireless ID, or Wi-Fi address. To check your MAC Addresses, you can use one of the following 2 easiest ways:
- Check MAC Address on your device or Internet adapter.
- Using the command prompt:
1. Open search box in the task bar or using shortcuts Windown + R
2. Type cmd to opend Command prompt.
3. Then type: ipconfig/all and press Enter. The “Physical Address” is the MAC Address.
How to change your MAC Address?
Although MAC Addresses are permanent by design, several mechanisms allow modification of the MAC Addresses that are reported by the operating system. This can be useful for privacy reasons, for instance when connecting to a Wi-fi hotspot, or to ensure interoperability.
You can change your MAC Address with tools or through the registry.
However, as I mentioned before: “If you are Making Money Online (MMO), you don’t have to worry because there aren’t any websites checking this information.”, changing MAC Addresses is an unnecessary thing to do.
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