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Glossary Networking

MAC address

A MAC address is the 48-bit hardware identifier of a network interface, used to deliver data within a local network.

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In more detail

It is written as six pairs of hex digits, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. The first three pairs, the OUI, identify the manufacturer. Unlike an IP address, a MAC address does not change with the network, although phones and computers now often randomise it for privacy.

Example

Find the maker of an address with the MAC Address Vendor Lookup.

Try these tools

MAC Address Vendor Lookup

Look up the manufacturer of a MAC address or OUI in the IEEE registry (MA-L, MA-M and MA-S), for one address or a whole list.

MAC Address Formatter

Normalize a MAC address between colon, hyphen, Cisco-dot, and plain notation instantly.

See also

  • Glossary IP address
    An IP address is the number that identifies a device on a network so that data can be sent to it.
  • Glossary Hexadecimal
    Hexadecimal (hex) is the base-16 number system, using digits 0-9 and letters A-F, widely used as a compact way to write binary data.
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