A MAC address, or Media Access Control address, is a unique 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to a device’s network interface card (NIC). It serves as a physical or hardware address, identifying the device on a local network. This address is used for communication within a network segment.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Purpose: MAC addresses are used to identify devices on a network segment, allowing them to communicate with each other.
• Format: They are 12-digit hexadecimal numbers, typically displayed with colons or hyphens separating them into six pairs of two digits each (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
• Location: They are usually embedded in the device’s network interface card (NIC) during manufacturing.
• Uniqueness: MAC addresses are globally unique, meaning no two devices should have the same address.
• Local vs. Global: While MAC addresses identify devices on the local network, IP addresses are used for communication across the internet.
• Finding your MAC address: The exact steps to find your MAC address vary depending on your operating system, but they typically involve accessing network settings and looking for the “MAC address” or “Physical Address”.
• Examples: You can find your MAC address on various devices like computers, smartphones, and other network-connected devices.