mac address static or dynamic? security question.

[ballgameyt]

I see a previously connected MAC address on my router that I dont recognize. It doesnt log date and time but it says it was an ethernet connection.

Are MAC address's dynamic or static?

If it shows ethernet, then I assume its not a remote intruder, Is that a fair assumption? I am worried someone has hacked my wifi.

 

[USAFRet]

I see a previously connected MAC address on my router that I dont recognize. It doesnt log date and time but it says it was an ethernet connection.

Are MAC address's dynamic or static?

If it shows ethernet, then I assume its not a remote intruder, Is that a fair assumption?

MAC addresses do not change unless you manually tell it to report as something else.
It is assigned when that network adapter is manufactured.

'ethernet'? Probably not a remote connection.

 

[ballgameyt]

thank you.

Would a usb wireless adapter have a different MAC address than the adapter inside the laptop?

Is there any chance that type of adapter could show as an "ethernet" connection?

 

[USAFRet]

thank you.

Would a usb wireless adapter have a different MAC address than the adapter inside the laptop?

Is there any chance that type of adapter could show as an "ethernet" connection?

Every LAN adapter, be it USB, WiFi, ethernet, whatever...has its own MAC address. All different.

Might it show in your router log as 'ethernet'? That depends on your router.

My router specifically says:
Wireless 2.4G
Wireless 5G
Ethernet


But I don't have any USB wireless devices.

 

[Ralston18]

I think that that can happen if a MAC has been changed.

Each hardware manufacturer has assigned ranges and you can use the MAC to identify the manufacturer.

Searchable Links (there are others):

https://www.macvendorlookup.com/

https://aruljohn.com/mac.pl

I just did a look up on a new webcam's MAC.

First link found nothing but the second link did indeed identify the manufacturer.

So if someone is spoofing a wireless MAC device and happened to chose (deliberately or otherwise) a wired device MAC, then that device may well appear as "Ethernet".