Every device that connects to a network has something called a MAC address (Media Access Control address). Think of it as your device's hardware ID. A MAC address helps devices on the same local network recognize each other. For example, when your laptop connects to your home Wi-Fi, your router uses its MAC address to tell it apart from your phone, smart TV, or game console. Unlike an IP address, which can change depending on the network you're using, a MAC address is usually