Because the number is assigned to the physical device by the manufacturer, in most cases it can't be changed by the user. This gives the device the ability to connect to a network, which is necessary for the device to connect to the Internet. When every Internet-capable device begins in development, the manufacturer assigns each device's network adapter a unique address to identify it on network interfaces. Think of the MAC address like a sort of serial code or physical network address that identities the device to the network. Unlike Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, the manufacturer assigns MAC addresses to their devices at the factory. What is a MAC address?Ī MAC (Media Access Control) address identifies your physical device in order to connect to a network.

In this article, we'll discuss the MAC address and break down what it is, what it looks like, and how to find it on your device. Additionally, just like physical mail, getting the data to the right place is all about the address. No matter how you're connecting to the Internet, it always takes a variety of software and hardware working together to allow communication from your device to other devices.

Chromebook network mac address