MAC Full Form: Advantages and Disadvantages of MAC

MAC full form is Media Acces Control Address. To know about the history, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of MAC. Read this Blog! If you want to work in an MNC company then you should know the MNC full form which is a multinational corporation. There are many benefits to working in an MNC such as you will know about the cultures and customs, your techniques and creativity will get in use and many more. 

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MAC Full Form

MAC Full Form can be elaborated as Media Access Control Address. It has another name which is the hardware id number. MAC address which has been added to the computer’s NIC( network interface card) while manufacturing the product you will still find whether it will be on the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or ethernet card. The systems provided by default address will get changed while changing the NIC cards. 

History of MAC

• Firstly, MAC addresses were discovered by Xerox PARC that presumes as humans. 
• The MAC address of the network device is also known as a hardware address, physical address or ethernet hardware address. 
• Cisco Router Switches frequently use a term called “burned-in address” that applies here. 

 What are the Characteristics of MAC? 

1. The hardware’s MAC address, which is regarded as its distinguishing number, is globally unique. This enables us to recognise each device in a network of connected devices.

2. The MAC address has a total length of 6 bytes or 48 bits. There are three standard forms for writing addresses that are compliant with IEEE 802:

• Hyphens (-) are used to separate six two-digit hexadecimal numbers, such as 45-67-89-AB-12-CD.
• Like 45:67:89:AB:DE:23, six two-digit hexadecimal numbers are separated by colons (:).
• ABCD.4567.1238 is an example of four three-digit hexadecimal numbers separated by a dot (.).

3. Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) number refers to the right 24 bits (3 bytes) of the address. Moreover, the Internet allocated Number Authority (IANA) allocated this OUI number. For NICs made by the same vendor, hence, this globally distinctive OUI number will always be the same. 

Network Interface Controller Specific (NICS), which controls communication over a computer network wirelessly or using cables, is the word for the left 24 bits (3 bytes) of the address.

4. NIC cards, bridges, and switches are some of the hardware that is present in this second tier. This layer is also in charge of LAN communications’ error-free data transmission over the Physical layer.

Advantages of MAC

1. A Distinctive Identity:

Based on device identity, it enables network administrators to govern and also restrict network access.

2. Efficiency of Resources: 

A single device can always broadcast data on the channel thanks to the MAC protocol. In doing so, it guards against collisions and guarantees effective bandwidth use.

3. Improved network safety: 

By setting MAC address filtering, organisations can enhance network security and also stop unauthorised access to their systems.

4. Compatibility: 

The MAC protocol, which is interoperable with a range of devices and network topologies, is used by both wired and wireless networks.

Disadvantages of MAC

1. Careful Setup: 

The MAC must be set up carefully in order to prevent chaos in the workplace. Because MAC forbids anybody from doing so, there are instances when knowledge must be exchanged among coworkers inside the same organisation.

2. Updates Must Be Regular: 

When new data is added or old data is discarded, it needs to be updated often. The administrator must occasionally give the MAC system and ACL list some thought.

3. Lack of Operational Flexibility: 

The MAC system lacks this capability. The initial entry of all data and the creation of an ACL that won’t cause any issues, later on, are difficult tasks.

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