What is the network card MAC address?

Differences between MAC address and IP address

The MAC address is used to define the location of the network device. In the OSI model, the third layer of the network layer is responsible for the IP address, and the second layer of data link is responsible for MAC addresses. Therefore, the IP address of a computer can be changed dynamically, and the MAC address is fixed (without changing the NIC).

What does a MAC address do?

Because the network card's MAC address is globally unique, it is used primarily to identify users in the network. For example:

When ADSL is on the internet, Telecom uses it to record fees, confirming that you are on the net; in the campus network, MAC addresses can also be used to identify users.

Campus network of the official users, their MAC address will be registered on the server side, if you are illegal users, the server does not have your network card MAC address, so when you try to connect the Internet, the server will immediately recognize you, prevent you to connect to the network.

How do I check the MAC address of My network card?

Here's how to view MAC addresses under various operating systems:

Use the ipconfig command to view the network card MAC address under Windows XP/VISAT/7

Can MAC address be modified?

The mobile wireless card also has a unique MAC address

Yes. Hardware modifications and software modifications are possible.

Hardware modification is the use of network card manufacturers to modify the program to burn the EEPROM card, the risk is very large, complex operation.

Non-hardware modifications:

Windows automatically reads the MAC address from the network card during installation and stores it in the registry. When data is transmitted over the network, a source MAC address is required from the packet sent from the NIC, which is read directly from the registry, rather than detecting the network card. So as long as you modify the MAC address in the registry, it is equivalent to "Change the network card (EEPROM) MAC Address" (of course, with a professional hardware detection tool can also detect the real MAC address of the network card). So how do you modify the MAC address of the network card stored in the registry? You can modify it manually or by using software modifications.

Manual modification method. First, open Device Manager and locate the network adapter.

Network card in Device Manager

To modify the local Nic MAC address as an example, right-click to open the NIC properties box.

Nic Properties

Then open the Advanced tab, find the Network Address option, fill in the custom MAC address, save.

MAC address is not preset by default (not preset)

Software modification method. It is recommended to use Ryll MAC Editor. With this gadget, you can quickly change your MAC address and recover quickly, eliminating the hassle.