MAC Address

A MAC address is the 48-bit (or 64-bit EUI-64) hardware identifier burned into a network interface, used to address frames at Layer 2 of Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. MAC addresses can be locally administered or randomised; modern mobile operating systems randomise Wi-Fi MACs by default to limit cross-network tracking.

Categories: Radio Access NetworkProtocols and StandardsOperations and Business

MAC Address in context

The radio access network is the layer where mobile devices attach to the operator's infrastructure. Attacks in this layer include IMSI catching, rogue base stations, downgrade attacks and jamming, and defenses hinge on mutual authentication, integrity-protected signaling and Open RAN supply-chain hygiene.

Telecom security is written into standards from 3GPP, GSMA, ETSI, IETF and ITU-T. Understanding which body owns which specification, and how the specs interlock (for example 3GPP TS 33.501 with GSMA FS.34 for 5G SBA security), is essential for both design and audit work.

To place MAC Address in the wider telecom-security picture, review Operating System (OS), 3GPP, MCC, Mediation System, NAT and Packet.

Related terms

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