MAC address filtering is a technique that allows you to specify which devices are allowed access to your network by their unique MAC addresses. It is an additional layer of security that helps prevent unauthorized access to your Internet connection and to any devices connected to it. A MAC address, also called a physical address, is a unique identifier assigned to every network interface controller (NIC) such as a Wi-Fi or Ethernet card.
To enable MAC address filtering, you need to access your router’s settings and look for the MAC filter option. Once you have located it, you can add the MAC addresses of the devices that you want to allow access to your network. Some routers allow you to choose between two modes: allow-list or block-list. In allow-list mode, only the MAC addresses that you have added will be allowed access, while in block-list mode, all MAC addresses except those that you have added will be allowed.
MAC address filtering is a useful security feature, but it is not foolproof. It is important to note that MAC addresses can be spoofed or cloned, meaning that someone can impersonate a MAC address of a device that is allowed access to your network. Therefore, it is recommended that you use MAC filtering in conjunction with other security measures such as strong passwords, WPA2 encryption, and firewall protection.
Overall, MAC address filtering is a simple and effective way to help secure your home network. It provides an additional layer of protection against unwanted access to your Internet connection and helps keep your personal information safe. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is not the only security measure you should take and that it should be used in combination with other best practices.