Correct option is D
Introduction:
The physical address of a computer, also known as the MAC (Media Access Control) address, is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC) for communications at the data link layer of a network segment.
Information Booster:
- A MAC address is 6 bytes (48 bits) long.
- It is usually represented as six pairs of hexadecimal digits, separated by colons or hyphens.
- For example: F8:FC:AE:7B:16:CE
- Any address with fewer or more than 6 segments (or 12 hexadecimal characters) is invalid as a standard MAC address.
Correct Format Analysis:
Let's evaluate each option:
- FC : F8 : AE : 7B → Only 4 pairs (incomplete)
- F8 : FC : AE → Only 3 pairs (invalid)
- F8 : FA : 7B : FC : 16 : 1B : AB → 7 pairs (too long)
- F8 : FC : AE : 7B : 16 : CE → 6 pairs (correct format)
Additional Knowledge:
- MAC addresses are assigned by hardware manufacturers and are typically hardcoded into the device.
- The first 3 bytes represent the Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) identifying the manufacturer.
- MAC addresses are crucial for local network communication, such as within a LAN.