# Device Names and Addresses

**MAC Address** \- Your Device's Permanent Name

Think of MAC address as your device's birth certificate name - it never changes

Simple Explanation:

1. Every network device is born with a unique MAC address
    
2. It looks like: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E 6 groups of letters and numbers)
    
3. It's burned into the hardware - you can't change it
    
4. Used only for talking to devices in the same room/building
    
    **Example**: Your laptop's WiFi card has a MAC address like your social security number unique forever.