Can a device have more than one MAC address? The MAC address is a 12 digit hexadecimal number that is most often displayed with a colon or hypen separating every two digits (an octet), making it easier to read.Įxample: A MAC address of 2c549188c9e3 is typically displayed as 2C:54:91:88:C9:E3 or 2c-54-91-88-c9-e3. The NIC is where you make your physical connection to the network, by plugging in an Ethernet cable or connecting to a WiFi signal. The MAC address is tied to the Network Interface Controller (NIC), a subcomponent of the larger device. Just like each house has it's own postal address, every device connected on a network has a Media Access Control (MAC) address, that uniquely identifies it. After you select the network location, all of the network settings you’ve specified for that location will become active.This is a MAC Address What's a MAC Address and how do I find it? You can also change network locations by using the Network pane in System Preferences. From the Apple menu, select Location, and then select the network location you want to activate, as shown below. Fortunately, this is a quick and easy process that takes only a couple seconds. OS X can’t automatically switch between the network locations that you create - you must switch between them manually. That way, all of the network interfaces and connections will be active, and you’ll have fewer settings to change. Note that it usually helps to wait until you’re physically in the location to create the network location. Repeat this process for any other network locations you want to create. Any changes you make will apply to the new network location and not your other network locations.Ĭongratulations! You have successfully created a new network location on your Mac. Now configure your network settings for this location in the Network preferences. The new network location is saved and made active. Type a name for the network location, and then press Return.Ĭlick Done. The window shown below appears.Ĭlick the + button to add a new network location.
The window shown below appears.įrom the Location menu, select Edit Locations. Ready to start adding and configuring network locations on your Mac? Here’s how:įrom the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
Only professional users with specific network settings that differ from one network to another will need to create other network locations. This setting is all most users will ever need. By default, OS X has an “Automatic” network location which connects your computer to any available networks and interfaces automatically. Of course, you don’t need to configure any network locations to connect your Mac to the internet. Understanding the Automatic Network Location When you move between your home and office, or the coffee shop and the airport, you can change your network location to activate different network settings. Once you’ve created and saved different network locations, you can switch between them by using the Apple menu or System Preferences.
You can also use network locations to specify settings for specific network interfaces, such as an Ethernet card, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, and even VPN.
This is a useful feature for users who need to set network-specific proxies, DNS servers, or static IP addresses. Your Mac allows you to save and quickly switch between multiple network configurations, which are referred to as network locations in OS X.
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