What does MAC stand for in the context of networking addresses?

In the context of networking addresses, MAC stands for Media Access Control. This term refers to a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications at the data link layer of a network. The MAC address is used to ensure that data packets are delivered to the correct device on a local area network (LAN). Each device on a network has its own unique MAC address, allowing network switches and routers to direct traffic accurately.

This address plays a crucial role in networking protocols such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi, where it helps identify devices within the same network segment. The MAC address is embedded in the network interface card (NIC) and is typically represented in hexadecimal format. Understanding MAC addresses is fundamental to networking, as it facilitates seamless communication between devices within the same network.