How to Filter MAC Addresses to Block Devices on Your Network

If you change the default password and SSID, on the router, then you have connected to a security challenge that an attacker must crack before entering your network. However, when you can take other measures, you don’t undefined have to stop there.

Most wireless network routers and access points allow you to filter devices based on their MAC address, which is the physical address of the device. If MAC address filtering is enabled, only devices with MAC addresses configured in wireless routers or access points are allowed to connect.

MAC addresses are unique identifiers for network hardware, such as wireless network adapters. Although it is absolutely possible to deceive MAC addresses so that attackers can pretend to be authorized users, no random hackers or curious snooping devices will reach this length, so MAC filtering can still protect you from most users.

Note: 

Other types of filtering that are different from MAC filtering can be performed on the router. For example, content filtering is when you block certain keywords or Web sites from passing through the web.

How to Find Your MAC Address in Windows

This technique will work in all versions of Windows:

Open the Run dialog box by using the Win+R keys. That is the Windows key and the R key.

Type cmd in that small window that opens. This will open the Command Prompt.

Type ipconfig /all in the Command Prompt window.

Press Enter to submit the command. You should see a bunch of text show up within that window.

Find the line labeled Physical Address or physical access address. That is the MAC address for that adapter.

If you have more than one network adapter, you need to view the results to make sure you get the MAC to address from the correct adapter. Your wired network adapter and wireless network adapter will have different adapters.

How to Filter MAC Addresses in Your Router

For the wireless network router or access point you are using, refer to your user manual to learn how to access the configuration and management screen, and enable and configure MAC address filtering to protect your wireless network. 

For example, if you have a TP-Link router, you can configure wireless MAC address filtering as described on its Web site. 

Some NETGEAR routers save settings in the ADVANCED > security > access control screen. MAC filtering on Comtrend AR-5381u routers is done through the Wireless > MAC filter menu, as you can see. 

To find support pages for a particular router, simply search for brands and models online, such as NETGEAR R 9000 MAC filtering. For more information about finding support documentation for these router manufacturers, see our D ≤ Link, Linksys, Cisco, and NETGEAR pages.

The technology of filtering the MAC address to block your devices on your network is a very vital part of CCIE RS Lab, and some people who want to take the exam should master the technology. If you have any questions, and you can contact us. Besides, SPOTO is committed to the various certification exam. SPOTO will provide more opportunities to clear all exam in the first try.