The MAC address is a 12-digit hexadecimal number that is most often displayed with a colon or hyphen separating every two digits (an octet), making it easier to read. The NIC is where you make your physical connection to the network, by plugging in an Ethernet cable or connecting to a Wi-Fi signal. The MAC address is tied to the Network Interface Controller (NIC), a sub component of the larger device. MAC addresses are assigned by device manufactures. Every device connected on a network has a Media Access Control (MAC) address, that uniquely identifies it.
