What actually is a mac address? If it is specific to a machine, how can it be changed?

A MAC address is a 10 character code for a network device (router, or NIC). The IP address / MAC address combination guarantees every user in the world a unique address that can be dynamically assigned. Most network cards have the MAC address hard coded into the actual card. Most routers have a MAC address hard coded too, but offer the feature to clone an existing address and use that.What actually is a mac address? If it is specific to a machine, how can it be changed?
it is not specific. it is the hardware address to your network interface.



it can be changed:



buy a new nic cardWhat actually is a mac address? If it is specific to a machine, how can it be changed?
MAC address is hardcoded into the NIC.
A MAC Address is the physical address of the hardware. And no, you do NOT have ot buy a brand new NIC, you can change it. This link outlines the steps for a W2K and XP OS. Hope that helps. :)



http://www.nthelp.com/NT6/change_mac_w2k.htm
A MAC address is not specific to a machine, but any network connection. So every network card, router port, cable and DSL modem has a MAC address.



You can't change the real MAC address, but most Routers have a feature to MASK their own MAC Address and let you CLONE your PC's MAC address, or even let you type in a phony MAC address. You see, that way you can show your internet provider the same MAC address, no matter what is connected to your router.



Good luck and Happy Computing!