Solution
The correct answer is 5A ∶ 11 ∶ 55 ∶ 18 ∶ AA ∶ 0F
Key PointsTo convert the given Ethernet address from binary to hexadecimal, we can group the binary digits into sets of four (from right to left) and then convert each group into its equivalent hexadecimal representation. The given Ethernet address in binary is:
After the grouping 5A ∶ 11 ∶ 55 ∶ 18 ∶ AA ∶ 0F, Hence, correct answer is 5A ∶ 11 ∶ 55 ∶ 18 ∶ AA ∶ 0F
Additional InformationMedia Access Control (MAC) address, also known as an Ethernet address, is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on a physical network. These addresses are assigned by the manufacturer of the network interface card (NIC) and are stored in its hardware. Here are a few key points about MAC addresses:
- Uniqueness: Every device that can connect to a network (such as computer, smartphones, servers, networking equipment, and Internet of Things devices) has a unique MAC address. This is essential for network operations, as it allows packets to be delivered to the precise device for which they are intended even in a complex network with many devices.
- Physical Storage: MAC addresses are "burned" into the NIC during the manufacturing process and typically cannot be changed. They are a combination of manufacturer identification number and a unique number assigned by the manufacturer.
- Structure of MAC Addresses: MAC addresses are typically represented as six groups of two hexadecimal digits, separated by colons, hyphens, or without a separator. This results in a 48-bit number (6 bytes), allowing for a vast number of unique addresses.
- Usage in Networking: MAC addresses operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) networking model, which is responsible for network node-to-node data transfer. When a network packet is sent across the internet, its destination IP address gets it to the right network, and then the MAC address ensures the packet is delivered to the correct device on that network.
