So, for example, a MAC address starting with 00:16:CB is identified with Apple Inc. It’s also called the Organizational Unique Identifier or OUI. The first half of the address represents the device manufacturer. The number is assigned during the manufacturing process. And, if you arbitrarily change the MAC address, you may lose Internet access. Typically, you would not change the address unless directed by some support rep.

For example, your Internet service provider may provide a router that associates that MAC address to your account. These numbers primarily work with network communications and help authenticate devices. And just to confuse things more, Apple refers to them as a “Wi-Fi Address” and my Android phone uses “Phone Wi-Fi MAC address”. The 12-digit number is unique but can have multiple names including “networking hardware address” or “physical address”. The hardware component could be a broadband router, wireless access card, network adapter, and so on. This is a 12-digit hexadecimal address that maps to a physical component. It stands for Media Access Control address.

As with many technical terms, MAC is an acronym.

Excel convert mac address format