what is the MAC address in a psp for?

Answer 1

Every Network device has a Media Access Control (MAC) adress. Since there are several "languages" that can be spoken via a computer network, there has to be a common "language" so two devices can find each other in a network. The MAC adress uniqueliy identifies your network device world wide. Under normal circumstances no two devices have the same MAC adress (there are exceptions, but explaining them would lead too far).

In order to secure a wireless network you can not only encrypt your network traffic, but also give your wireless router a list of MAC adresses of devices, that are allowed on your network.

So, you could go around telling people your password to your WLAN, but they won't be able to get in, since you haven't entered their device's MAC adress.

However, computer literate people and hackers know how to "fake" a MAC adress, could listen to your WLAN and find out MAC adresses of allowed devices, "spoof" this adress and gain acces to your Network.

So all in all: The MAC adress printed on your PSP is mostly useful for people who secure their network with MAC access lists.

Answer 2

PSP has rudimentary networking support, WiFi I think, MAC address is necessary for every device that has network support.

Answer 3

You can sync your psp with a mac computer.