Our Plugable ethernet adapters are compatible with USB-C iPhone 15 and 16 / Pro / Pro Max running iOS 17 or newer. Our ethernet adapters are plug-and-play on iPhone, and ethernet connection is identified in the iOS settings app.

These following ethernet adapters from Plugable have been tested and verified to work with iPhone:

1.  USBC-E5000
2.  USBC-E2500PD
3.  USBC-E2500
4.  USBC-E1000
5.  USBC-TE1000

There are various reasons and configurations that can benefit from having more than one network adapter present on a PC.

For users with newer networking products, featuring 2.5Gbps link rates or greater, it may be beneficial to prioritize that network connection over others on your PC that are still connected to your network/LAN.

If you find that your Plugable ethernet adapter or docking station is not connecting to the internet or is experiencing slower than expected speeds on your Mac then it may be related to its position in the macOS Network Service Order. This can apply to your Wi-Fi connection, ethernet, and even NAS systems.

macOS attempts to connect to the internet using the network service at the top of your list first. If your Wi-Fi or NAS (Network Attached Storage) is listed above your Plugable ethernet adapter, this often leads to users unknowingly using a slower wireless connection when they intended to use a wired one.

To ensure you are getting the full speed and stability of your wired connection, you must prioritize the Plugable ethernet adapter above Wi-Fi.

Navigate through these steps to Set Service Order:

1. Click the Apple Menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
2. In the sidebar, click Network. 
   1. 
3. Look for the Action Menu (a circle with three dots ...) located at the bottom right of the main window area.
   1. 
4. Click the three dots and select Set Service Order.…
5. A list will appear showing all your network interfaces. Click and drag your Ethernet Adapter (often named "USB 10/100/1G/2.5G LAN" or “Plugable Docking Station”) to the very top of the list, above Wi-Fi.
   1. 
6. Click OK to save your changes.

Your network traffic will now automatically prioritize the wired connection, ensuring you receive the best possible speeds and stability from your Plugable adapter.

Please Note

The below guide is an advanced troubleshooting step, and we do not recommend doing so unless you are comfortable manually altering files on your Apple product running macOS. You may not be able to perform the below troubleshooting step if you are unable to execute administrative credentials on your laptop. Please reach out to our support first if you do not wish to attempt the below instructions. You can do so at Plugable.com/Support

How to delete a specific Ethernet adapter from your Network devices on macOS

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your primary monitor, and select ‘System Preferences’
2. Next select ‘Network’ in the ‘System Preferences' window.
3. In the now visible list, please select the Plugable Ethernet, or Thunderbolt Ethernet device that may not be working as expected.
4. Once selected click on the minus button in the bottom left of the network window.
5. Click on Apply in the bottom right.
6. Next click on the plus button in the bottom left of the network window, and add the previously removed device.
7. Click on Apply in the bottom right.
8. Test to see if this has resolved the unexpected behavior, and assure that your Ethernet is now working.
9. If this does not resolve the problem, please proceed to the next section (As noted previously the next section is for advanced users only!)

I am still unable to get my Ethernet connection working on my Mac

If this is the case please reach out to our support team. When you do please include a diagnostic log gathered using our PlugDebug tool (instructions are provided on the PlugDebug page). If you are not able to gather the PlugDebug diagnostics do not worry we are still here to help! Please reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com or Plugable.com/Support with a detailed description of your problem, and the model of Plugable product you are using.

We are often asked if it is okay to leave a notebook computer connected to one of our USB-C docking stations with Power Delivery for extended periods of time.  The short answer is yes, it is no different from leaving the laptop connected to the manufacturer's original USB-C power supply for the same time.  The long answer is yes for modern laptops, and maybe for older (1990s-early 2000s laptops) and involves going into the different battery technologies used in consumer electronics devices.

Another common question is if it is possible to use the docking station but to disable powering and charging the computer.  When a modern notebook computer runs on battery power it will often set the system to a reduced power state which may impact performance, or connected devices and we recommend always powering the computer when using a desktop docking station.  For all of our docking stations that provide power to the host computer this will not affect the lifespan of the computer's battery.

Modern Laptop Batteries: Lithium-Ion

Lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries are found in a wide range of consumer electronics from notebook computers and cell phones, to electric cars, power tools, and wearable electronics like wireless earbuds.  Li-ion offers fast charging, high-current discharging, fairly long service live compared to other rechargeable battery technologies and are relatively inexpensive.

The life-span of a rechargeable battery depends on many factors including age, temperature history, charging patterns, the chemical composition of the specific battery, and usage.  For example batteries stored at 100% charge will degrade faster than batteries stored at 50% charge, this is why most consumer electronics devices arrive from the manufacturer with between 25% to 75% charge.

Lithium-ion batteries are consumable components, however in most modern computers, cell phones, and tablets these are not user serviceable components.  To help maintain the battery all modern computers and most consumer electronics will include battery charge and protection circuits.  These can be fairly simple, charging up the battery at preset rates depending on the charge level to help maintain the battery life, or complex software controlled charging that monitors battery temperature, voltage and current draw to maintain the fastest charging while maintaining the battery longevity.

Modern notebook computers can be left connected to the original power cable or a docking station with charging capability for extended periods, and do not benefit from regular discharge/recharge cycles.  Our docking stations with charging capability rely on USB Type-C Power Delivery to power and charge compatible computers.  USB Type-C Power Delivery is a negotiated charging protocol between the host computer and the docking station or USB Type-C power supply, this allows the computer to draw only the power it requires, and even select the best voltage level for powering the computer.  In combination with a computer's built-in battery charging controller the computer is capable of maintaining the battery's optimal state even when left connected to a power source for an extended period of time.

Legacy Laptop Batteries: NiCad and NiMH

Older laptops, from the 1990s and some early 2000s, as well as some consumer electronics, and most rechargeable AA or AAA battery replacements use Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) or Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.  These batteries are slower to charge and discharge than li-ion batteries, and require very simple charge controllers, and in some cases can even be trickle-charged ( very low-current continuous charging ) if desired.

These batteries generally don't have smart charging controllers and to prolong the life of the battery required "training" or fully discharging and recharging the battery every so often.  Many laptop manufacturers recommended fully charging and discharging a new laptop 2-3 times to train the battery, this is not necessary with modern laptops.

Conclusion

Modern notebook batteries are managed by the computer's built-in battery charging circuit, and require little to no user intervention to maintain optimal battery health.  It does not harm the battery to leave the computer connected to an external power supply, so long as the computer is being used regularly.  If the computer is to be stored for a prolonged period then discharging the battery to between 50-75% can help to maintain the battery life.

Batteries are consumable components and degrade over time, however modern notebook computers can extend the battery life generally to meet or exceed the life of the computer's other electronic components.

The Windows Firewall may block some networking features when the local network is not set to Private.  This article will describe the process for setting the local network, either wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi to be a Private network.

Windows 11

1 - Connect the computer to the network, either wired or wireless

2 - Open the Windows Settings - right-click on the Start Menu and select “Settings” from the pop-up menu

3 - On the left column select “Network & internet”

For Wired Networks

4 - Select the “Ethernet” option

5 - The connected network should be expanded, if not click on “Network Connected" to expand the section

6 - Select the “Network profile type” either “Public network” or “Private network” to suite your needs

For Wi-Fi Networks

4 - Select the “Wi-Fi” option

5 - Select your Wi-Fi network name “properties”

6 - Select the “Network profile type” either “Public network” or “Private network” to suite your needs

Windows 10

1 - Connect the computer to the network, either wired or wireless

2 - Open the Windows Settings - right-click on the Start Menu and select “Settings” from the pop-up menu

3 - Select “Network & Internet” fro the bottom section

4 - Select the “Ethernet” option from the left pane

5 - Select the “Connected” network from the right pane

6 - Select the “Network profile type” either “Public network” or “Private network” to suite your needs

Windows PowerShell

If the option does not show up in the Windows Settings GUI, or if you prefer to use the terminal.

1 - Open a new terminal: Right-click on the Start Menu and select “Terminal” 

2 - Run the following command to list the available networks

Get-NetConnectionProfile

PS C:\Users\plugable> Get-NetConnectionProfile
Name                     : Network
InterfaceAlias           : Ethernet Instance 0
InterfaceIndex           : 7
NetworkCategory          : Private
DomainAuthenticationKind : None
IPv4Connectivity         : Internet
IPv6Connectivity         : NoTraffic

3 - Run the following command to set the network to Private

Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name Network -NetworkCategory Private

Where “Network” is the network name from step #2 and “Private” can be either “Public" or “Private”

Ethernet technology has come a long way since its inception in the late 1970s when early Ethernet operated at 10 Mbps, which was considered fast for its time. As digital demands increased, so did the need for faster data transfer speeds, leading to the introduction of Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) and eventually Gigabit Ethernet ( 1 Gbps ), which has been the standard for home and office networking for over 20 years. Over these years, Ethernet continued to evolve, with standards being developed to handle even higher speeds but most often being isolated to the server room, and cloud computing. Today, technologies like 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps Ethernet have developed from 10 Gbps Ethernet, catering to modern high-bandwidth applications in both home and office environments. These advancements make it easier than ever for users to connect and transfer data at speeds that support the demands of video streaming, gaming, and extensive network tasks with higher reliability and lower latency than WiFi.

Upgrading a whole network from Gigabit to 2.5Gbps or faster can be costly and time consuming, but it doesn’t have to be done all at once. We have released both 2.5Gbps and soon 5Gbps USB Ethernet adapters that can be used with both notebook computers and desktops to provide up to five times faster Ethernet speeds than the built-in network controller, without having to install any new PCIe cards. Both of our high-speed Ethernet offerings are backwards compatible with current Gigabit Ethernet and in many cases can use the same network cables, however we do recommend replacing Category 5 and Category 5e cables with at least Category 6a or Category 7 cables to ensure future compatibility with both 5Gbps and 10Gbps Ethernet. Desktop 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps Ethernet switches are also coming down in price and can be used to quickly upgrade the network throughput between nearby computers.

As you make the upgrade process there are some steps that can be taken to ensure the network throughput is maximized between the 2.5Gbps or faster computers.

Maximizing 2.5Gbps Ethernet Performance

Maximizing the performance of a 2.5Gbps Ethernet network can enhance both speed and reliability, especially for power users who value efficiency and seamless connectivity in a busy IT environment or at home for the fastest home media center. Here are some best practices for small 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps network setups:

Upgrade Network Infrastructure for Compatibility

Switches and Routers: Ensure your network infrastructure, particularly switches and routers, supports 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps Ethernet. Many older devices are limited to 1Gbps, which will bottleneck the system.

This is most important between the computers that need the higher speed, if you have internet speed at or below 1Gbps then upgrading the router will not improve performance, so long as all computers that need faster local area network access are connected to the same 2.5Gbps or faster Ethernet switches.

Cable Quality: Use high-quality Cat 6a cables or better. While 2.5Gbps is designed to work with Cat 5e Ethernet cables, at least for short distances, for longer runs and to ensure the best performance Cat 6, 6a, or Cat 7 are recommended for 5Gbps networks.

Optimize Device Connections and Settings

NIC Configuration: Adjust your network interface card (NIC) settings to ensure optimal performance. This may involve tweaking parameters such as jumbo frames or flow control for maximum efficiency.

Ethernet data frames with more than 1500 bytes of data are called “jumbo frames”. Setting a larger frame size packs more data into each frame and can potentially reduce the CPU overhead, however to function it must be enabled on both endpoints and supported by all networking hardware in between. For most users there will be no noticeable difference in network performance, however in some specific cases like when a home server is transcoding and streaming video it can help to reduce the CPU overhead of the entire process. This can best be enabled on short point-to-point networks rather than sprawling networks, as packet loss with jumbo frames enabled causes significantly worse slowdowns than with standard frame sizes.

Flow control allows for the receiving system to transmit a pause request to the transmitting system to prevent data loss. This is necessary when multiple computers are communicating to the same server as there is generally not enough bandwidth to service all requests simultaneously, however it can be disabled in a point-to-point network setup where both computers are directly connected and both computers can handle full-speed data throughput. QoS - Quality of Service offers an alternative to Flow Control but requires significantly more setup often including managed switches and may not be an effective choice for the home and small office networks.

Driver and Firmware Updates: Keep all drivers and firmware updated for your network adapters, switches, and routers. This reduces potential compatibility issues and improves performance. Firmware updates are also important for maintaining network security, vulnerabilities in router firmware have been historically exploited to create network back doors, to exfiltrate data, as well as creating bot-nets for DDoS - Dedicated Denial of Service attacks on websites.

Drivers for Plugable devices can be found on our product pages, under the "Downloads" tab.

Consider Network Segmentation

For a network with mixed-speed devices (1Gb, 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps and 10Gbps), segmenting traffic can prevent slower devices from dragging down performance. This can be done physically by using gigabit Ethernet switches separate from 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps switches then bridging the switches together, or virtually by setting up virtual LANs (VLANs) with a managed Ethernet switch. VLANs can help allocate 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps connections exclusively for high-bandwidth tasks while lower speed devices can utilize secondary gigabit Ethernet ports on the server or client computers.

Leverage Multi-Gig Capable Devices for Key Applications

Identify the devices that will benefit the most from 2.5Gbps and faster connections, such as NAS - Network Attached Storage systems with integrated 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps Ethernet, high-performance workstations or desktop replacement notebooks with USB Ethernet adapters, or servers with multi-port bonded Ethernet controllers handling large data transfers. Connect these devices directly to a switch that can take advantage of the higher network throughput to ensure they receive the best performance possible.

Future-Proofing with 2.5Gbps-capable or faster Docking Stations and USB Ethernet Adapters

Many Plugable docking stations now support 2.5Gbps Ethernet, which could be ideal for enhancing productivity for hybrid work setups, at home, or in the classroom by enabling high-speed, wired connectivity. Plugable’s docks also simplify integration across Windows and Chrome OS devices, which can be especially helpful in mixed-device environments​​.

USB Ethernet Adapters

• 2.5Gbps USB 3 Ethernet Adapter ( https://plugable.com/products/usbc-e2500 )
• 5Gbps USB 10Gbps Ethernet Adapter ( https://plugable.com/products/usbc-e5000 )
• 1Gbps USB 3.0 Standard-A and Type-C Ethernet Adapter ( https://plugable.com/products/usb3-e1000 https://plugable.com/products/ubsc-e1000 )

Thunderbolt and USB4 docking stations

• USB4 Dual 4K Docking Station ( https://plugable.com/products/ud-4vpd )
• Thunderbolt 4 Quad Display Docking Station ( https://plugable.com/products/tbt4-udz )
• Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station ( https://plugable.com/products/tbt4-udx1 )

USB-C Power Delivery (PD) is negotiated between the power-sourcing equipment (e.g., a dock or multiport hub) and the connected host device. During this negotiation, the device offering power communicates its capabilities, and the host determines whether it can accept the power. If the host does not support Power Delivery, no power will be sent to the computer over the USB-C connection. This will allow you to take advantage of other capabilities such as data transfer or video output without risking damage to the computer.

One helpful way to identify your ethernet link rate speed is through the System Settings app in macOS. This can help us identify if your Plugable ethernet adapter is negotiating either 1Gbps or 2.5Gbps network speeds. Some routers have a mix of 1Gbps or 2.5Gbps ports, and in the macOS System Settings this will be shown in the Speed field. 

In this example, we will be analyzing our USBC-E2500, which is a 2.5Gbps ethernet adapter. This method applies to all of our ethernet adapters, such as:

• USB3-E1000
• USBC-E1000
• USBC-E2500
• USBC-E2500PD

Navigate to the Network section, select the entry named “USB 10/100/1G/2.5G LAN” with the Green - Connected icon. Expand the Details button, and go to Hardware.

When choosing a docking station or USB hub, it's important to understand the difference between Power Delivery (PD) and Pass-Through Power Delivery. While both terms refer to charging capabilities, they function differently and impact how power is distributed to connected devices.

What is Power Delivery (PD)?

USB Power Delivery (PD) is a fast-charging standard that allows devices to negotiate power levels dynamically. Key aspects include:

• Enables higher power transfer (up to 100W or more, depending on the device and cable).
• Ensures efficient charging by dynamically adjusting voltage and current.
• Commonly used in USB-C chargers, docking stations, and hubs that provide power directly to laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Example: A USB-C docking station with PD output can charge a connected laptop while simultaneously powering other peripherals. Additionally, these tend to come with their own AC adapter.

What is Pass-Through Power Delivery?

Pass-Through Power Delivery refers to a hub or docking station that does not generate power itself but instead allows power to pass through from an external power adapter. Key aspects include:

• Requires a dedicated power adapter (e.g., a USB-C PD laptop charger) plugged into the docking station or hub.
• Typically, a portion of the incoming power is allocated to the dock’s functionality (such as data transfer and peripheral connections), and the remaining power is sent to the connected laptop or device.
• May reduce the total power available to the laptop compared to direct charging.

Example: A USB-C hub with pass-through PD allows a laptop's original USB-C PD charger to be connected to the hub, which then distributes power to the laptop while also supporting external peripherals.

Choosing the Right Option

• If you need a docking station that can directly charge your laptop, look for one with dedicated Power Delivery (PD) support.
• If your laptop already has a high-wattage charger and you want to maintain power while expanding connectivity, a pass-through PD hub may be a better choice.
• Be mindful of power limitations with pass-through charging, as some hubs may reserve power for their own operation, reducing the power available for the laptop.

Some examples of hubs with PD pass-through would be our USBC-9IN1E with 140w pass-through charging or our smaller USBC-4IN1 with 100w pass-through.

On the flip side, we have our docking stations that power your devices by themselves. Examples such as our UD-7400PD which is capable of 140w of charge and 5 displays.

Understanding these differences will help ensure you select the right docking station or USB-C hub for your setup. If you have any questions or would like a recommendation, feel free to reach out to our support at support@plugable.com

Many users assume that USB-C devices can work with older Thunderbolt 2 Macs if they use a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, such as the one made by Apple. However, this is not the case. These adapters are specifically designed to support Thunderbolt devices only - not standard USB-C peripherals.

While Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C share the same connector type, they use different underlying data protocols. Non-Thunderbolt USB-C devices, rely on USB standards for data and power. The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter does not carry USB signals; it only passes Thunderbolt data. Because of this, plugging a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt 2 Mac using this adapter will not work - the computer will not detect or communicate with the device.

If you need to connect peripherals to a Thunderbolt 2 system, we recommend using a USB-A dock or hub (if available on your system). This ensures compatibility without relying on unsupported adapter chains.

In short, even though the connectors may fit, USB-C devices are not compatible with Thunderbolt 2 Macs via Thunderbolt adapters - only Thunderbolt devices will work in that setup.

If you're looking to upgrade your wired or wireless network speed and internet connection with a Plugable USB network adapter, you’ll want to make sure you pick the right one for your setup. The three key factors to consider are:

1. The type of network you are connecting to: Wired or Wireless (Wi-Fi)
2. The type of USB port on your computer (USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt)
3. The Ethernet speed you need (Gigabit, 2.5 Gigabit, 5Gbps, or Wi-Fi)

This guide will help you quickly determine which Plugable adapter best fits your needs.

Step 1: Identify Your USB Port Type

Different Plugable adapters are designed for different USB connections. Here's how to find out what type of USB port your computer has:

• USB-A Port (Rectangular Shape) – Found on most older and some newer PCs and laptops. If your device has standard USB ports, you'll want an adapter with a USB-A connector.
• USB-C Port (Small, Oval Shape) – Found on modern laptops, tablets, and some desktops. If your computer has a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 port, a USB-C adapter is a better choice.
• Thunderbolt 3 or 4 – Thunderbolt ports support USB-C accessories, so any Plugable USB-C Ethernet adapter will work.

💡 Not sure which ports your computer has? Check the manufacturer's website or look for an icon next to the port: a Lightning bolt indicates Thunderbolt ( or charging ) while a USB logo will indicate the USB version.

Step 2: Determine the Ethernet Speed You Need

Your network speed is influenced by both your internet plan and the devices on your network. Choose an adapter based on the speed you want to achieve:

💡 Check your router’s specifications to see if it supports higher speeds like 2.5Gbps before choosing a multi-gig adapter.

Step 3: Choose the Right Adapter for Your System

Now that you know your USB port type and Ethernet speed requirements, here’s a quick guide to help you select the right Plugable adapter. The best bet is to meet or exceed the internet service provider’s rated speed, or for local file transfers the speed of the other systems on the network. For example, say your ISP provides a 2Gbps internet connection, then a 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps Ethernet adapter will be a good fit, while a 1Gbps adapter will still enable internet connectivity, the maximum data rate would be limited to 50% that of the rated internet speed.

For USB-A Computers

✅ Need basic 100Mbps Ethernet? → Choose the USB2-E100
✅ Need Gigabit speeds? → Choose the USB3-E1000
✅ Need Wireless Connectivity → Choose the USB-WIFINT

For USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 Computers

✅ Need Gigabit speeds? → Choose the USBC-E1000
✅ Need 2.5Gbps speeds? → Choose the USBC-E2500
✅ Need 5Gbps speeds? → Choose the USBC-E5000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a USB 3.0 Ethernet adapter in a USB 2.0 port?

A: Yes, but it will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds, which may affect performance.

Q: Will these adapters work with macOS, Windows, and Linux?

A: For the most part yes, except for our USB-WIFINT relies on proprietary drivers and is not recommended for macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS systems

Q: Does a faster Ethernet adapter make my internet speed faster?

A: Only if your internet service provider (ISP) plan supports higher speeds. A 2.5Gbps adapter won’t improve speeds on a 1Gbps internet connection.

Q: Can I use a USB-C adapter with a USB-A computer using an adapter?

A: It depends. Some USB-C to USB-A adapters may work, but some are limited to USB 2.0 data rates and can affect the network performance. When possible we recommend using a native USB-A Ethernet adapter for most reliable performance.

Conclusion

Picking the right Plugable USB to Ethernet adapter comes down to knowing your USB port type and the speed you need. Whether you’re looking for a basic 100Mbps connection or blazing-fast 5Gbps speeds, Plugable has an adapter to keep you connected.

Still have questions? Reach out to Plugable’s support team via email at support@plugable.com for help choosing the best adapter for your setup!

What is the MAC address?

The MAC address (Medium Access Control address) is a unique network address for each Network Interface Controller to identify the hardware on the network segment. The address is generally expressed as six hexadecimal digits, sometimes separated by a '-', ':', or without a separator.

The MAC address is assigned by the hardware manufacturer during production, however many network controllers allow the operating system (via the drivers) to override the MAC address, this is handled at the operating system level and does not change the address stored in the adapter.

The first three octets (first three hexadecimal values, six characters) identify the network hardware manufacturer while the last three octets should be unique within each hardware manufacturer's product line. For example Plugable's MAC addresses all begin with "8CAE4C", with lower values typically representing older companies, "000000" belongs to Xerox for example, some companies have multiple ranges of MAC addresses.

Why it can be useful to override the manufacturer's address?

Setting a custom MAC address can provide anonymity when connecting to public networks. It can also be used by an IT Network Administrator to provide specific access rights to computers based on the connection.

It can also be useful for Network Administrators for testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance to simulate different devices without having access to that specific device.

Changing the Mac Address in Windows

The MAC address can be manually set from the Device Manager:

1. Right-click on the Start Menu and select Device Manager from the pop-up window

2. Expand the Network adapters section and double-click on the network adapter to be modified

3. From the network adapter properties pop-up window, select the Advanced tab

4. Under the Property: category, scroll down to and select "Network Address"

5. In the Value: field, enter the new MAC Address in hexadecimal format, the field has a maximum of 12 characters so do not use any separators between octets

6. Select the OK button to proceed

You can also check the MAC Address from the command line

1. Right-click on the Start Menu and select Terminal or Windows PowerShell

2. Type in the following command ipconfig /all or ipconfig /all | findstr C:/"Physical Address" to filter just the Physical Address lines.

3. Scroll through the output to find the target network adapter and Physical Address

What is the MAC address?

The MAC address (Medium Access Control address) is a unique network address for each Network Interface Controller to identify the hardware on the network segment. The address is generally expressed as six hexadecimal digits, sometimes separated by a '-', ':', or without a separator.

The MAC address is assigned by the hardware manufacturer during production, however many network controllers allow the operating system (via the drivers) to override the MAC address, this is handled at the operating system level and does not change the address stored in the adapter.

The first three octets (first three hexadecimal values, six characters) identify the network hardware manufacturer while the last three octets should be unique within each hardware manufacturer's product line. For example Plugable's MAC addresses all begin with "8CAE4C", with lower values typically representing older companies, "000000" belongs to Xerox for example, some companies have multiple ranges of MAC addresses.

Why it can be useful to override the manufacturer's address?

Setting a custom MAC address can provide anonymity when connecting to public networks. It can also be used by an IT Network Administrator to provide specific access rights to computers based on the connection.

It can also be useful for Network Administrators for testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance to simulate different devices without having access to that specific device.

Checking the MAC Address in Linux

The MAC Address can be checked from the terminal:

1. Open a bash shell

2. Read the address from the /sys directory:

cat /sys/class/net//address

or from the ip command to print out all of the hardware MAC Addresses

ip -o link | awk '$2 != "lo:" {print $2, $17}'

Changing the MAC Address in Linux

Temporary change until system reboot

1. Open a bash shell

2. Run the following command to set the MAC Address for a specific network device.

sudo ip link set dev <devicename> down
sudo ip link set dev <devicename> address <mac address>
sudo ip link set dev <devicename> up

3. Confirm the new MAC address

Permanently change the MAC Address

This can depend on your distribution's specific network services and settings. This example will create a new systemd unit file to change the MAC Address on startup.

1. Open a bash shell

2. Create a new systemd unit file "/etc/systemd/system/changemac@.service with the following contents the mac address should be colon separated:

[Unit]
Description=Change MAC Address %i
Wants=network-pre.target
Before=network-pre.target

[Service]
Type=oneshot
ExecStart=/usr/bin/ip link set dev %i down
ExecStart=/usr/bin/ip link set dev %i address <mac address>
ExecStart=/usr/bin/ip link set dev %i up
RemainAfterExit=yes
User=root

[Install]
wantedBy=multi-user.target

3. Enable the service with the following command

sudo systemctl enable --now changemac@<interface_name>

4. Reboot the computer, the MAC address should be set to the new address