Is the MAC on the back of your Modem the code as required by a new ISP. If so why dont they tell you this to avoid you phoning your current provider. When I phoned BT for mine they just said the number they gave me was valid for 30 days.
2007-05-16 04:30:12 · 6 answers · asked by Gary Crant 7 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
no thats a MAC address, which is used for LAN/Network communication, and locking out devices within a wireless network, known as MAC filtering.
a MAC code is different, know as a migration authorisation code, which is used for transferring your adsl broadband connection from one internet service providor to another.
i know your complaint... 2 different things, 2 different purposes, 1 bloody name!
2007-05-16 04:36:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2017-01-21 04:04:52 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the information on hardware is not related to the MAC (migration authorisation code) which ISPs need.
You should be able to get a MAC from your current ISP, and it is correct that this is only valid for 30 days (it must be given to the ISP you plan to move to). Some ISPs are faster at responding to a request for a MAC (depends on the ISP as to whether you need to phone or e-mail them, and for some, they might feel it worthwhile to speak with you - as they know you are considering leaving their service - so might delay the issue of a MAC - but they should now issue them with a few days under rules from OFCOM).
That bit about the 30 days is important, because if you have not 'used' (passed the info to the new ISP) in that time, the MAC expires and your new ISP will be unable to place the migration order.
Also, some ISPs are planning to make a charge for any second or subsequent request (to cover their admin / staff time) so if you do decide to switch, it's worth getting on with signup with a new ISP within the first 2 weeks (as some quote 'up to 10 working days' for them to process the order).
See the links below, or do searches on www.thinkbroadband.com www.ispreview.co.uk and www.uk-bug.net, for lots more info about ISPs and getting / using a MAC.
2007-05-16 06:19:58 · answer #3 · answered by Peter M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Different MAC codes.
The MAC code on your modem is a network identifier like your IP address but built into the hardware and unchangable. It identifies the manufacturer and type of your modem or network card as well as a unique number. It is always 6 pairs of hex numbers. Used in IPX/SPX addressing schemes.
The MAC (Migrate Away Code) from BT is an authorisation for transferring your broadband to another company. It can be any length.
Toatlly different numbers. But they are always unique from any other issued.
2007-05-16 04:40:38 · answer #4 · answered by Steven 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the network card identifier and can be used to lock the connection to the server. The number BT are talking about is the IP address, which is allocated dynamically. Their dhcp servers are set for a 30 day lease, this frees the allocated address if someone goes offline for a long period. It has nothing to do with the mac address, but you modem and there server create an association to it at login.
2007-05-16 04:42:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually the MAC is the physical ID of the interface device.
These are assigned by the manufacturers of the ethernet card, the router, etc. Each unit has a specific ID (like a serial number) which is built into the unit at time of manufacture. You can even lookup who built the unit with that code.
You can see or read these numbers from your computer. Just go to network connections right click on the unit you want to read.. click status.. then advanced you will see the physical address which your system is using for that adapter.
2007-05-16 04:38:34 · answer #6 · answered by Tracy L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋