![]() |
![]() |
8.3 | The Data Link Layer |
![]() |
8.3.3 | The function and characteristics of MAC addresses |
A MAC address is a unique address burned
onto the memory of a network interface card (NIC). Ethernet requires each computer to
have a MAC address, and any computer with a MAC address is called a node.
MAC addresses use a 48-bit address, which is a
unique identifier for each device and is used for delivering data to a
specific location. MAC addresses (layer 2 addresses, hardware
addresses, physical addresses) are crucial to the functioning of LANs,
allowing local delivery of frames and packets. A MAC address is
similar to a social security number or personal identification number.
|