What is a MAC code in connection with internet connections, and how will I find it?

Question

I have a tiscali broadband connection and want to change to BT Broadband. BT are asking for my MAC code?

Answer 1

Firstly, let me suggest DON'T DO THIS! Explanation to follow.

In Windows XP or 2000, click on the Start button, click on Run, type “cmd” in the blank field, and click “OK”. This should bring up a command line window. Type “ipconfig /all” at the prompt, then press Enter. This should bring up your computer’s networking information. The MAC address will be listed as the “physical address”.

In Mac OS X, click on the Apple logo on the top left of your screen. From the drop-down menu that appears, choose the “System Preferences” option. Once the System Preferences window opens, click on the Network icon. This will take you to a screen showing your network info. Choose to display the information for “Built-in Ethernet”. Your MAC address should be listed as the “Ethernet ID”.

Why do I say don't do this? Because this service (BT) will not permit you to connect more than one computer at a time or to change computers easily. Only one MAC address is permitted because they use your MAC address to configure the connection. To get around this stingy behaviour, get a router (forget to mention this to BT) and find the router's MAC address (instructions that come with the router will explain how to find this). Give that MAC address to BT as though it were your computer's MAC address. There is nothing about the MAC address that can identify the type of network device (printer, router or computer) so to BT it is a computer. Then you can connect, say, four computers to the router and Bob's your uncle.

Answer 2

In computer networking a Media Access Control address (MAC address) or Ethernet Hardware Address (EHA) or hardware address or adapter address is a quasi-unique identifier attached to most network adapters (NICs). It is a number that acts like a name for a particular network adapter, so, for example, the network cards (or built-in network adapters) in two different computers will have different names, or MAC addresses, as would an Ethernet adapter and a wireless adapter in the same computer, and as would multiple network cards in a router. However, it is possible to change the MAC address on most of today's hardware, often referred to as MAC spoofing.

Most layer 2 network protocols use one of three numbering spaces managed by the IEEE: MAC-48, EUI-48, and EUI-64, which are designed to be globally unique. Not all communications protocols use MAC addresses, and not all protocols require globally unique identifiers. The IEEE claims trademarks on the names "EUI-48" and "EUI-64". (The "EUI" stands for Extended Unique Identifier .)

MAC addresses, unlike IP addresses and IPX addresses, are not divided into "host" and "network" portions. Therefore, a host cannot determine from the MAC address of another host whether that host is on the same layer 2 network segment as the sending host or a network segment bridged to that network segment.

to change your MAC go to this site is has a walkthrough
http://www-dcn.fnal.gov/DCG-Docs/mac/xp.html

Answer 3

The MAC code is what the service providers give you to allow you to change provider. You'll need to contact tiscali (unfortunately) to get one to move to BT.

Answer 4

as David said........i rang my provider and told them my son was getting BT broadband and that i needed a MAC code ......they send it to your e-mail account within 7 days .only then can you fill in the BT sign up...as soon as you get the MAC you fill in the on line form and they send you a mail saying it will take a few hours to get you set up......also you have to wait 3 days for the hub to arrive.then your ready to go