MAC address

What Is a MAC Address?

The MAC address is a unique value associated with a network adapter. MAC addresses are also known as hardwareaddresses or physicaladdresses. They uniquely identify an adapter on aLAN.

MAC addresses are 12-digit hexadecimal numbers (48 bits in length). By convention, MAC addresses are usually written in one of the following two formats:

MM:MM:MM:SS:SS:SS

MM-MM-MM-SS-SS-SS

The first half of a MAC address contains the ID number of the adapter manufacturer. These IDs are regulated by an Internet standards body (see sidebar). The second half of a MAC address represents the serial number assigned to the adapter by the manufacturer. In the example,

00:A0:C9:14:C8:29

The prefix

00A0C9

indicates the manufacturer is Intel Corporation.

Why MAC Addresses?

Recall that TCP/IP and other mainstream networking architectures generally adopt the OSI model. In this model, network functionality is subdivided into layers. MAC addresses function at the data link layer (layer 2 in the OSI model). They allow computers to uniquely identify themselves on a network at this relatively low level.
 Media Access Control address, a hardware address that uniquely identifies each node of a network. In IEEE 802 networks, the Data Link Control (DLC) layer of the OSI Reference Model is divided into two sub-layers: the Logical Link Control (LLC) layer and the Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The MAC layer interfaces directly with the network medium. Consequently, each different type of network medium requires a different MAC layer.

On networks that do not conform to the IEEE 802 standards but do conform to the OSI Reference Model, the node address is called the Data Link Control (DLC) address.

How to find MAC (Media Access Control) address in windows.
) Click the Start Orb at the bottom left of your screen.

2) Type ncpa.cpl into the search box and press ENTER.

3) Right-click your Local Area Connection and select Status.

4) Click Details and the Physical Address is your MAC Address.

                        OR

1. Click on the Windows Logo in the bottom left corner.

2. In the search box, type in cmd and press enter.

3. In the command prompt, type in getmac (with no spaces) and push enter.

4. The MAC address is labeled Physical Address .

You may change your ip address but your mac address remains unchanged.

For android devices: 

Settings >> about phones >> status >> Wifi mac address.