MAC address - GCSE Computer Science Definition

A MAC address, which stands for Media Access Control address, is a unique identifier assigned to each device that connects to a network, like a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Think of it like a postal address, but for your device on the internet or any local network. It is made up of 12 characters, including numbers and letters, and it's set by the manufacturer of the device, so you can't change it. The MAC address helps networks know which device is which, making sure data reaches the right place when devices communicate with each other. This is important for things like sending a message or loading a website on your device.