logo

Learning objective

Comprehend the meaning and purpose of a media access control (MAC) address, including its structure. Note: MAC addresses are typically assigned at manufacturing and are expressed in hexadecimal format, derived from the manufacturer code and serial number.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Exam focus

  • Read the explanation.
  • Check key terms.
  • Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE Computer ScienceSubject content

Study support

Understand this objective

Quick explanation

Comprehend the meaning and purpose of a media access control (MAC) address, including its structure. Note: MAC addresses are typically assigned at manufacturing and are expressed in hexadecimal format, derived from the manufacturer code and serial number

  • This point belongs to Network hardware, especially Network hardware outcomes.
  • You need to be able to comprehend the meaning and purpose of a media access control (MAC) address, including its structure. Note: MAC addresses are typically assigned at manufacturing and are expressed in hexadecimal format, derived from the manufacturer code and serial number.
  • The key ideas to know are Understand.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

Understand

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Network hardware outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Network hardware.

Revision tools

Choose how to practise

Back to topic hub
Flashcards10 linked cards

Flashcard 1 of 10

Press Space to flip, arrows to move
Practice Questions7 linked questions

Question 1 of 7

Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.

0 of 5 attempted

Paper 1 structured question: Network hardware

Paper 1Computer Systems1 marks

Description

MAC Address Structure

A MAC address consists of two parts: the Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) and the device's serial number. The OUI identifies the manufacturer, while the serial number is unique to the device.

  1. a

    State the two main components of a MAC address.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
Revision notestopic notes

Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.

Open revision notes

Related learning objectives

Revision hubs

Move back to a broader study route