So is the MAC address assigned an IP by the network?

Question

or subnet for each session?
In other words, is the MAC address public and clear?

If I know a MAC address of my stolen computer for example, could I go and find it? Or only if I worked for the FBI?

Answer 1

The mapping between IP address and MAC address is, at best, only known to the local network where the computer is operating. And even then, it might change from session to session. Whoever has access to that local network can probably track down where the computer using a particular MAC address is plugged in. But unless you know which local network that is, and have the cooperation of an administrator there, it's basically impossible to track down a computer knowing only its MAC address.

Answer 2

The MAC address is hard wired into each device, like a serial number. Usually this is only important to the Internet if the MAC address is for a cable modem. ISPs generally want the MAC address to insure that only one specific modem is accessing the Internet service that they are charging for.

For local networks, security is sometimes tied to MAC addresses. That is good for security on your network, but those MAC addresses are not generally accessible outside of that local network.

So, in those cases, the MAC address is not visible.

Answer 3

If you have the serial number of your stolen computer and the operating system ID number you could theorhetically get Microsoft or your computer manufacturer to try to find it on the internet.

Answer 4

no