MAC

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to a device’s network interface, such as a Wi-Fi adapter or Ethernet card. It ensures that data packets reach the correct device on a local network, as switches use MAC addresses to forward traffic accurately at Layer 2 of the OSI model. This helps prevent data from being misdirected to unintended devices within a network segment, enhancing data integrity and security in local communications.

From a security perspective, MAC addresses can be used for network access control, allowing administrators to permit or block specific devices based on their MAC addresses. In enterprise networks, administrators may use MAC filtering to limit network access only to authorized devices, adding an additional layer of security. However, MAC filtering is not foolproof, as skilled attackers can “spoof” MAC addresses to mimic authorized devices.

In DHCP servers, MAC addresses are also used to reserve fixed IPs for specific devices, reducing the risk of IP conflicts and helping network administrators keep track of devices on the network, thus improving network security management.