How do I find the MAC address to register my device in Nomad?
If a device is eligible for eduroam, you should enroll your device in eduroam and use the eduroam network. If not, you will need to manually register your device in Nomad to connect to the unsecure and unencrypted ncsu network by using the MAC address of your device.
Note: For devices that require a wi-fi connections between two devices on the same network, such as a smart speaker or Chromecast, you may need to request a public IP address. Requesting a public IP address MIGHT make a connection between the devices easier to establish, however, the ncsu network was not designed for such connections. A public IP address will make your device's IP address visible to devices on other networks, which can pose a security risk as external devices can establish direct connections to your device.
What is a MAC address?
The MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to a network adapter of a system. A MAC address is a 12-character string of numbers and letters, usually separated by ":" or "'-" every two characters; it is also known as a physical address for the device. MAC addresses are typically assigned by the hardware vendor and are used to allow network communication for a system.
How do I find the MAC address on my specific device?
The method to find a MAC address varies from system to system. The instructions may vary slightly based on the device model and manufacturer.
Apple TV
- Go to Settings on your Apple TV.
- Select General > Network.
- View the MAC address listed.
Amazon Fire TV
- Plug your Amazon Fire TV stick into your TV. Note: If this is your first time using this Fire TV device, then the wireless MAC address will appear in the list of wireless networks during the setup. It should be on the far-right of the list. Otherwise, you will need to move on to Step 2.
- Go to Settings.
- Select System > About > Network.
- View the wireless MAC address.
Roku
- From the Roku home screen, select Settings.
- Select Player Info.
- View the MAC address.
- The wired MAC address is listed next to Ethernet MAC address.
- The wireless MAC address is listed next to Wireless MAC Address.
Google Home
- Download the Google Home app on your phone.
- Select your Google Home. Make sure that your Google Home is plugged in.
- Select Set Up.
- Accept the prompt to allow your phone to connect to your Google Home.
- Follow the prompts for the setup questions and enter the location of your Google Home.
- Select Continue.
- View the wireless MAC address, which should be listed in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Amazon Echo
- Download the Amazon Alexa app on your phone or computer.
- Sign in with your personal Amazon account.
- Connect to the wireless network transmitted by your Echo device.
- View the wireless MAC address for your Echo, which should be at the bottom of the Echo Setup screen in the Alex app.
What about other devices?
If a device is eligible for eduroam, you should enroll it in eduroam.
For gaming consoles: How do I find a MAC address on my gaming console?
For Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS: Finding a MAC Address on Your Device
For other devices, you can reference the device's user manual, look at other documentation from the manufacturer, or contact the manufacturer.