What is a MAC address?

A MAC address, which stands for Media Access Control address, is a unique hardware identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC) for communication within a network segment. This address is crucial for networking as it helps devices identify each other on the same local network, ensuring that data packets are delivered to the correct device.

MAC addresses are typically expressed in a format of six groups of two hexadecimal digits, separated by colons or hyphens, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. This uniqueness is maintained by manufacturers who allocate MAC addresses to each of their devices, which means that every networked device typically has a different MAC address.

This is distinct from other options such as a temporary IP address, which can change over time, or security protocols that deal with securing communications over the network. The purpose of a MAC address lies specifically in the identification and data link layer of networking, making it essential for local network communication.