Mac Addresses

• Every device needs a unique identifier so it can be found on network
• MAC Addresses assigned to all network-enabled devices by manufacturer
• MAC Addresses are all unique to the device and cannot be changed
• MAC Addresses are 48 or 64 bit binary numbers

  to make it easier it is converted into hexadecimal
• MAC Addresses mainly used by Ethernet Protocol or LANs


  LAN switches read MAC address to direct data to right device
• MAC Address built into NIC (Network interface controller)

  identifies piece of hardware permanently

  does not change
• MAC Addresses used by switches to memorise what is connected to each port
• can be used in digital forensics to check to see if its been connected to the network
• identifies piece of harware on a netowork