MAC Address Vendor Lookup
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Other tools you may find usefulMAC vendor search engine – check the network card manufacturer by MAC address
Each device connected to a computer network (such as a computer, smartphone, router, smart TV or smart light bulb) has a unique hardware identifier called a MAC (Media Access Control) address. A MAC address consists of 48 bits written in hexadecimal format, usually separated by colons or dashes (e.g.00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). The key to identifying the manufacturer of a given network device is the first 6 characters (3 bytes) of this address, known in technical nomenclature as OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier). Our free online MAC vendor search is an advanced diagnostic tool that, based on the IEEE database, allows you to identify the manufacturer of the network card and detailed information about the device in a fraction of a second.
Thanks to this, you will find out what devices are connected to your Wi-Fi network, easily detect unauthorized users (intruders) and diagnose problems with network equipment.
MAC address structure (OUI vs NIC)
The MAC address is divided into two equal parts, each of which is responsible for a different level of identification in the network architecture. The table below shows the detailed structure of the standard 48-bit MAC address:
| Part of the MAC address | Position in address (bits and bytes) | Technical name | What is he responsible for? | Who assigns value? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
First 3 bytes(e.g.00:1A:2B) |
Bits 1 – 24 (Byte 1, 2, 3) | OUI(Organizationally Unique Identifier) | The unique identifier of the manufacturer (vendor) of the network card. | IEEE(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). |
Last 3 bytes(e.g.3C:4D:5E) |
Bits 25 – 48 (Byte 4, 5, 6) | NOTHING(Network Interface Controller Specific) | A unique serial number assigned to a specific example of a network card. | Directlyequipment manufacturer(e.g. Intel, Realtek, Broadcom). |
How to find the MAC address on different operating systems?
To check the MAC address of your computer or phone and verify it in our browser, follow these instructions:
- Windows:Open the command prompt (cmd) and enter the command
getmacoripconfig /all. Look for the field labeled "Physical Address". Alternatively, go to Settings -> Network & Internet -> Hardware Properties. - macOS:Open Terminal and type
ifconfigor go to System Settings -> Network -> Advanced -> Hardware. - Linux:Enter the command in the terminal
ip link showorifconfigand search for the string marked "ether". - Android:Go to Settings -> About phone -> Status information -> Wi-Fi MAC address.
- iOS (iPhone/iPad):Go to Settings -> General -> This Device -> Wi-Fi Address.
Application of the MAC search engine in network administration
Identification of device manufacturers by MAC address is a standard practice used by IT administrators and home users:
- Monitoring the home network:By logging in to the router panel (e.g. at
192.168.1.1), you can see list of active IP and MAC addresses. Passing unknown MAC addresses through our analyzer allows us to find out whether the mysterious device is, for example, a Samsung TV, a PlayStation console, or a neighbor's smartphone. - MAC Address Filtering (Network Security):Configure the router to allow only selected MAC addresses to connect to the network (whitelist) to increase security.
- Static Lease DHCP configuration:Assigning a permanent IP address to a specific network device (server, printer) based on its MAC address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a random MAC address (Private MAC Address)?
Modern operating systems (e.g. iOS from version 14, Android from version 10 and Windows 10/11) have a built-in privacy protection function of generating a temporary, random MAC address when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. This prevents hotspot providers from tracking your location. Searching for a random MAC address in the database will not reveal the true manufacturer of the network card.
Is it possible to change (forge) the MAC address of a device?
The physical MAC address is permanently stored in the NIC ROM (or EEPROM) during manufacturing and cannot be permanently changed. However, there is a possibility of the so-called MAC address cloning or spoofing at the software (driver) level in the operating system. This change is temporary and applies until the system is reinstalled or the driver settings are changed.
Does the MAC address locate the user's physical location?
The MAC address does not contain any geolocation or GPS information. By itself, it does not allow you to determine where the device is physically located. However, public databases (e.g. Google or Skyhook databases) map the MAC addresses of Wi-Fi routers with their geographic coordinates to assist in the location of mobile devices (WPS system).
What is the difference between an IP address and a MAC address?
An IP address (e.g. IPv4 or IPv6) operates at the network layer (layer 3 of the OSI model) and is a logical address assigned dynamically by your router or ISP that changes depending on the network you are connecting to. The MAC address operates at the data link layer (layer 2) and is a physical, permanent address permanently assigned to the equipment by the manufacturer.
How often is the manufacturer database (OUI) updated?
The OUI database is managed and published directly by the IEEE. New electronic equipment manufacturers around the world regularly register new address pools. Our search engine synchronizes with official IEEE registries, which guarantees access to the most up-to-date data from manufacturers of IoT devices and network cards.