To assign an IP address in the first place, your router will use your device’s MAC address. IP addresses can venture out of the same network by using a router.īut you can’t just rely on IP addresses. MAC addresses function on a low level between devices on the same network. So what’s the difference?īoth MAC and IP are critical to any network, and they work well together. When you just learn about MAC addresses, it can be difficult to differentiate them from IP addresses, which more people are familiar with. How is a MAC address and IP address different? Sometimes, certain companies choose to assign similar MAC string combinations to their devices, so they can easily find device by MAC address if need be.

The rules by which MAC addresses are created is managed by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers). So a MAC address example could be something like 21-22-EJ-8C-D2-99. They can be upper or lowercase (although not mixed), and divided by colons, dashes, or written together. For any devices to communicate, one must send information to another’s MAC address.Ī MAC address is a string of six two-character combinations (both numbers and letters). But why?Įssentially, what a MAC address does is manage the NIC (network interface controller), or network adapter, that you need to connect to any network, be it Ethernet, WiFi, or Bluetooth. What Is A MAC Address Exactly?Įvery network-connected device has a unique MAC address assigned by its manufacturer. So what is a MAC address exactly? How is it used? How do you locate it? Can you be traced through it? Can you change it? Let’s explore these and other questions in our comprehensive MAC address guide.

How to find mac address in macbook