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- No two devices on a network should have the same MAC address. This ensures that data is sent to the correct device, preventing confusion and ensuring the integrity of network communication.
network-byte.com/understanding-mac-addresses/
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Can a MAC address be changed?
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Can a network device communicate with a different MAC address?
What is a MAC address?
The MAC address is the "hardware address" which uniquely identifies a virtual device (such as an SVI or loopback interface), a host, a port or what-have-you at Layer 2 of your network. These extra MAC addresses are utilized by managed devices (such as Cisco switches) to provide additional functionality beyond that of a "dumb" switch or hub.
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SuperUser reader JellicleCat wants to know how the uniqueness of MAC addresses is enforced:
Again and again I have read that devices are uniquely identified by their MAC addresses, but how are MAC addresses determined? And do they tell us anything about the devices they represent?
SuperUser contributor DavidPostill has the answer for us:
How are MAC Addresses Determined?
Vendors are given a range of MAC Addresses that can be assigned to their products by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). MAC Address are assigned to Vendors in various sized blocks as appropriate.
•The IEEE offers Registration Authority programs or registries which maintain lists of unique identifiers under standards and issue unique identifiers to those wishing to register them. The IEEE Registration Authority assigns unambiguous names to objects in a way which makes the assignment available to interested parties.
You can go to Vendor/Ethernet/Bluetooth MAC Address Lookup and Search to find the vendor given a particular MAC Address or find a MAC Address Range given to a vendor.
Devices are Uniquely Identified by Their MAC Addresses
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Jan 23, 2019 · What is the reason behind why a device (connected to an Ethernet network) needs to have two identifiers? This post is my attempt to answer that question. IP Addresses and MAC addresses were developed around the same time (circa 1974) but were answers to two, very different problems.
Dec 28, 2023 · The Switch MAC Address enhances network security by enabling device authentication and authorization based on their MAC Addresses. This process helps ward off unauthorized access and strengthens network security protocols.
Jul 4, 2022 · Both MAC Address and IP Address are used to uniquely define a device on the network. NIC card’s manufacturer provides the MAC Address, and the DHCP server provides (usually) the IP Address. These two operate on different layers of the protocol : MAC Address operates on the data link layer, while IP Address operates on the network layer.
Jun 5, 2023 · MAC (Media Access Control) addresses play a crucial role in computer networking. They are unique identifiers assigned to network interfaces, such as Ethernet cards or Wi-Fi adapters. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of MAC addresses and their significance in networking.
Dec 22, 2023 · Learn how network switches use MAC addresses to efficiently forward data packets and manage network traffic. Understand the importance of MAC addresses in optimizing network performance.
