Mac Address Question

[T2R]

Hello,

I was wondering about something and thought you guys could answer this for me.


I understand ISP's keep a MAC address on file for your account. I am not sure if Charter does this or not.


What my question is what MAC address do they actually keep on file?


Initially when I had Charter come out and setup my connection, it was their cable modem to my PC. Very shortly after, I got a wireless router hooked up with the modem and now other devices going through the wireless router. I have some devices connected wirelessly and others just hard wire directly into the router itself.


As I said, my main question is what MAC address is stored with your ISP? The cable modem's, routers, or what? I read somewhere that it is the first device connected to the network, so that would mean it would be the modem right or can you make a case for the router?


My other question was if there is a way to change what MAC address they have on file for you? Would that be by just getting your own cable modem or router?

 

[danny2000]

I believe it is the modem, or the modem/router if it is a single unit.

Some ISP(s) will force you to register the mac address with them before you can connect with it to their system.

 

[T2R]

I see.

So at most, it would be either the cable modem or the wireless router I am using and not devices on my network, such as an X-Box or Laptop? I suppose those MAC addresses get registered to their system automatically?

 

[danny2000]

I could be wrong, but I do not think that those other devices get registered to their network. Regardless, everything points back to your modem anyhow.

 

[T2R]

That would mean anyone looking in from outside or if any information was needed, the only MAC that the ISP should have on file is your modem's, basically.