What is a MAC address?

A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to a Network Interface Card (NIC) by the manufacturer.  It is 12 characters long consisting of digits (0-9) and letters (A-F).  It can be represented in different notations depending on the manufacturer of the device.

Some examples are below:

• 00-B0-D0-63-C2-26
• 00:B0:D0:63:C2:26
• 00.B0.D0.63.C2.26
• 00B0.D063.C226

Personal wireless printers

Personal wireless printers that broadcast a network name for a connection are not permitted. If you have one of these printers, please turn off the wireless and connect it directly to your computer via its supplied USB cable while on campus.

Devices using Apple Talk, Bonjour, mDNS; Sonos, and Chromecasts

These devices — such as the AppleTV, Sonos, and Chromecasts — are not currently supported on enterprise-class networks. We are currently working to eliminate this limitation. While you may find these devices work in some areas of the campus at certain times, there is no guarantee of their functionality.

IP telephones and 3G/4G range extenders

IP telephones and 3G/4G range extenders are not readily supported. These devices often use GPS which can be a difficult signal to capture on campus and often encounters compatibility issues with the University's network security equipment.

Sniffers and network analyzers

Sniffers or network analyzers of any kind are not permitted. These devices and software/hardware configurations are meant to watch traffic and are therefore in violation of EKU's Acceptable Use Policy, as well as many laws.

Home routers, wireless access points, hubs, switches

Home routers, wireless access points, hubs, or switches, whether wired or wireless, are not supported. These devices can cause issues with performance across the network.

Finding the MAC address of your device

Most manufacturers will print the MAC address on a label on the back or the bottom of the device (but not always). To find the MAC address quickly, it is recommended that you physically inspect your device for this label.  If you cannot find the label or it is not printed on the device, you will need to go through the device's system menus to find it.  Below is a list of common devices with instructions on how to find the MAC address by navigating system menus.

If you cannot find your device below, Google "How to find the MAC address of a <device name>" and you should be able to find instructions.  If not, call the Geeks: 1-859-622-4335!

Game Consoles

Nintendo Switch

1. Select System Settings from the HOME menu.
2. Scroll down through the menu and select Internet.
3. The Nintendo Switch console's MAC address will be listed under System MAC Address.

Nintendo Wii U

1. From the Home menu, select System Settings
2. Select Internet.
3. View System MAC address

Playstation 4

NOTE: This game console supports both a wired and wireless connection.  Be sure ou know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.

1. From the main menu, select Settings.
2. Select Network.
3. Select View Connection Status.
4. The MAC address will then be displayed on the screen.

Playstation 3

NOTE: This game console supports both a wired and wireless connection.  Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.

1. From the main menu, select Settings.
2. Select System Settings.
3. Select System Information.
4. The MAC address will then be displayed on the screen.

Xbox One

NOTE: This game console supports both a wired and wireless connection.  Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.

1. Select the Settings tile.
2. Select the Network tile.
3. Select the Advanced Settings section.
4. The MAC address will then be displayed.

Xbox 360

NOTE: This game console supports both a wired and wireless connection.  Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.

1. From the Xbox Dashboard, go to the System area and select Network Settings.
2. Select Edit Settings
3. Select the Additional Settings tab.
4. Select the Advanced Settings section.
5. The MAC address will then be displayed.

Multimedia Devices (Apple TV, Roku, TV, etc.)

Amazon Alexa

1. Download Amazon Alexa app to a phone or computer (It's free for iOS, Android, and Fire OS)
2. Sign in with Amazon Account.
3. Connect to the wireless network transmitted by the Echo device.
4. The wireless MAC address for Echo can be found at the bottom of the Echo Setup screen in the Alexa app.

Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV

1. From the Home screen, press Menu.
2. Select Settings.  You should see the Wi-Fi MAC address located in the Device Info section.

Apple TV

NOTE: This device supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.

1. Select Settings.
2. Select About.
3. The MAC address will be displayed as "Ethernet ID" or "Wireless ID" depending on your preference.

Google Chromecast

Chromecast users - these currently do not function properly.  When Cisco supplies us with the solution, we will implement that and note it here!

First ensure that you have the Google Cast application, which can be found on the App Store and Google Play Store for both iOS and Android devices.  Also, make sure that your Chromecast is plugged into an available HDMI port and powered via its included USB cable.

iOS

1. Open the Settings application.
2. Select Wi-Fi and connect to the broadcasted Chromecast SSID (e.g., Chromecast0256)
3. Once connected, navigate to and open the Google Cast application.
4. Follow the prompts until you see the screen that displays the MAC address.

Android

1. Open your phone's device settings.
2. Under "Wireless & networks" touch Wi-Fi.
3. Connect to the broadcasted SSID (e.g., Chromecast0256).
4. Once connected, navigate to and open the Google Cast application.
5. Follow the prompts until you see a screen that displays the MAC address.

Google Home

1. Ensure you have the Google Home application installed on your smartphone or mobile device.
2. Open the application and set up your Google Home.
3. To obtain the MAC address, click the three lines on the top left inside the application.
4. Select Devices, and then select your Google Home.
5. Click on Settings, scroll down to information, and your MAC address should be revealed.

Roku

NOTE: This device supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.

1. From the Home screen, press Up on your remote and the Menu Bar should appear.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select Player Info.
4. The MAC address will be displayed.

Samsung TV

NOTE: This device supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.

1. Select Network Settings.
2. Select Network Status.
3. The MAC address will be displayed.

Portable Devices (PSP, Vita, DS, Tablets, etc.)

PSP

1. Select Settings from the main menu.
2. Select Systems Settings.
3. Select System Information.
4. The MAC address will be displayed.

PS Vita

1. Select Settings from the home screen.
2. Select Start.
3. Select System Options.
4. Select System Information
5. The MAC address will be displayed.

Nintendo DS/DS Lite/DS XL/DSi

1. Select Settings.
2. Select Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Setup or Nintendo WFC Setup
3. Select Options.
4. Select System Information.
5. The MAC address will be displayed.

Nintendo 3DS/3DS XL

1. Select System Settings.
2. Select Internet Settings.
3. Select Other Information.
4. Select Confirm MAC Address.
5. The MAC address will be displayed.

Kindle (Touch, Paperwhite)

1. Press the Menu button on the home screen.
2. Select Settings.
3. Press the Menu button.
4. Select Device Info.
5. The MAC address will be displayed as "WiFi MAC Address".

Kindle Fire (HD, HDX)

1. Select Settings from the home screen.
2. Select More.
3. Select Device.
4. The MAC address will be displayed as "WiFi MAC Address".

Nook (Simple Touch, Glowlight)

1. Press the Home button.
2. Select Settings.
3. The MAC address will be displayed.

Nook (Color, HD, HD +Plus)

1. Press the Nav Arrow on the bottom of the screen.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select Device Info.
4. Select About Your Nook.
5. The MAC address will be displayed.