Question regarding MAC address.

sweetie · #1 04-15-2013

I've been reading through threads about MAC addresses but haven't come across an answer to my question, which is -

Is the MAC address associated with the router and therefore if you use a different router you will have a different MAC address or is associated with your street address or the contract you have with your ISP?

I have 2 routers here, both BT routers, one is a homehub 3 and has a sticker with the MAC address on the underneath. The other is a homehub 2 and has no MAC address information displayed.

Stigger · #2 04-15-2013

Mac's are for router.

2 router = 2 macs.

you can tell this but plugging on in and checking ip addess.

then plug other in and you should have different ip address

gtaforever00 · #3 04-15-2013

A mac address is the address that is hard coded into the hardware. (Network card on pc, router, or any network device.) An example there will not be two exact mac address on any network device in theory.

They can be spoofed with a little research on Google.

sweetie · #4 04-15-2013

I'm confused here because my router has a sticker with the MAC address written on but looking in my network connections I get a different number. Also I get that same number when I use my other router.

The way I found this number is as follows:

1. click on the internet access icon in the system tray.
2. click on open network and sharing centre
3. click on your connection (show underneath connect or disconnect)
4. click on details
5. look for the "physical address"

Can someone please advise me if I am misunderstanding the information, is that the actual MAC address?

gtaforever00 · #5 04-15-2013

That sounds like the Mac address on your network card in your computer. To find the Mac address of the router

Connect the pc to the router
Press Windows key + r
Type cmd in the box that appears
This will open the command line
Type "arp -a" without the quotes
It should display router s ip address and Mac address

sweetie · #6 04-15-2013

Hi gtaforever00,

I just tried doing what you suggested and a window flashes up, but only for a split second then it's gone, so I can't see what it says.

gtaforever00 · #7 04-15-2013

Just make sure you open command line first and then type the command. I'm not at my computer right now. Just pulled that off the top of my head so it might be a little off. I will verify once I get home.

sweetie · #8 04-15-2013

Hi,

I opened the command line and then typed in the command and pressed enter. The window opens but closes immediately. I asked a friend, over yahoo, if he could do it on his computer (a tablet, Nexus 10) and it worked for him so it's something wrong with me.

MM78 · #9 04-15-2013

Are you still worried about being tracked by your MAC address? If so, ebay, Paypal cannot track you by MAC address.

estrada · #10 04-15-2013

I got a message saying "We do not recognize the device you are logging in from verify your card number and zip code" hmmm. Still think it does not check MAC ID? I would be very careful with them.

sweetie · #11 04-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by estrada

I got a message saying "We do not recognize the device you are logging in from verify your card number and zip code" hmmm. Still think it does not check MAC ID? I would be very careful with them.

Isn't that likely to be because your cookies have been cleared so they don't recognise your computer?

(please excuse me if I am speaking rubbish...I'm still learning)

sweetie · #12 04-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtaforever00

Just make sure you open command line first and then type the command. I'm not at my computer right now. Just pulled that off the top of my head so it might be a little off. I will verify once I get home.

I managed to get the window open, don't know what I was doing wrong before. The number it gives corresponds with the number on the bottom of the router, and the 2nd router gave a different number, which was basically what I wanted to know.

Thanks so much for your help!

:-)

sweetie · #13 04-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by MM78

Are you still worried about being tracked by your MAC address? If so, ebay, Paypal cannot track you by MAC address.

I realise that, from everything I have read, but I just wanted to be able to see whether the MAC addresses were different on the two routers as I have the option of changing ISPs because my contract has finished and I knew I'd get a new MAC address if I did...but I'm with BT and didn't want to change if there was another way.

MM78 · #14 04-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by estrada

I got a message saying "We do not recognize the device you are logging in from verify your card number and zip code" hmmm. Still think it does not check MAC ID? I would be very careful with them.

No they don't...The most obvious reason you received that error is probably because you delete cookies, etc.

I keep all my accounts in separate user accounts with all the cookies loaded, and I've yet to ever receive this type of error.

Also, it has been discussed that in order for Ebay/PP to check your MAC address is to install some type of software (most likely a Java Addon) on your system in order for them to actually see your MAC address.

MM78 · #15 04-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetie

I realise that, from everything I have read, but I just wanted to be able to see whether the MAC addresses were different on the two routers as I have the option of changing ISPs because my contract has finished and I knew I'd get a new MAC address if I did...but I'm with BT and didn't want to change if there was another way.

No matter what Router you get, your going to get a different MAC address due to the fact that different ISP providers use completely different Routers.

Please note that every device that connects to the Internet requires a MAC address, from your Router to your SmartPhone.

GreenBean · #16 04-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetie

I realise that, from everything I have read, but I just wanted to be able to see whether the MAC addresses were different on the two routers as I have the option of changing ISPs because my contract has finished and I knew I'd get a new MAC address if I did...but I'm with BT and didn't want to change if there was another way.

Here's the best news for you.

Since you have two (different) routers, the MAC addresses are different.

Your current setup means you will have different IPs.

If you have made user accounts for each stealth account, including cookies etc, you have done your stealth work.

At this point, you need not worry about changing mac addresses. If the time comes mac address needs to be changed, everyone will know. Your current setup means you do not need this extra worry.

Train yourself to run this nifty program ( made by aspkn).
IP Burger - Track Your IP Address!
before you touch an account. Log the IP on your excel sheet.
Go stealth.

Hope this sets your mind at ease, sweetie