CyberCertPrepSecurity FundamentalsNetworking FundamentalsEASYFree question
What is a MAC address and at which OSI layer does it operate?
- A.A MAC address is a software-assigned IP alias
- B.MAC addresses work at Layer 7
- C.A MAC address (Media Access Control) is a 48-bit hardware identifier assigned to network interface cards, operating at Layer 2 (Data Link) - it's written as six pairs of hexadecimal digits (e.g., AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF) and is used for local network communication
- D.MAC addresses are assigned by DHCP
Why C is correct
MAC address: 48-bit hardware address (Layer 2), format XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX. First 3 bytes = OUI (manufacturer identifier), last 3 bytes = unique device ID. Used for local segment delivery (switches use MAC tables). Can be spoofed in software despite being 'hardware' address.
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