Find Your Network Address

Your computer has two addresses—the hardware (or MAC) address and the IP address—for each network device. If your computer is a laptop with wireless, it may have at least two sets of hardware and IP addresses: one for the wireless network adapter and one for the [wired] Ethernet network adapter (for plugging into an Ethernet wall socket).

The hardware address is very useful in network troubleshooting and is required to create a UVa wireless account. Both addresses may be needed in order to troubleshoot stolen or duplicated IP addresses. Frequently, the hardware address is shown on the network card itself, but you can also determine either address from your operating system:

Mac OS X

  1. Open Network Utility (Applications → Utilities → Network Utility).
    macosx_addr1
  2. Under the Info tab; from the Network Interface dropdown, select an interface.
    macosx_addr2
  3. Note your Hardware Address and IP Address (as well as the Model of network adapter—e.g., Wireless Adapter).

Windows Vista

  1. Vista provides a graphical tool for inspection of network information. Open the Control Panel.
    Vista Control Panel
  2. Select Network and Internet.
    Network & Internet Tool
  3. On the Network and Sharing Center panel choose View Status.
    Sharing Center
  4. On the Status window choose Details.
    Choose Details
  5. The Hardware Address is labeled Physical Address.
    Details Panel

Windows XP

  1. Click the Start button, then select Run….
    From the Start menu, select Run.
  2. In the Open field, type cmd and then click the OK button.
    In the Open field, type: cmd.
  3. At the command prompt (e.g., C:\Users\netsys>), type 
    ipconfig /all
    and then press the Enter key.
    Gather hardware and IP addresses from IP Configuration window.
  4. Look for the Description field that identifies your Ethernet card/adapter, and note the number that appears in the Physical Address field on the following line. This 12-digit alpha/numeric combination is your Ethernet hardware address.
  5. Three lines below that is your IP Address.

Windows 2000

  1. Click the Start button, then select Run….
    From the Start menu, select Run.
  2. In the Open field, type cmd and then click the OK button.
    In the Open field, type: cmd.
  3. At the command prompt (e.g., C:\Users\netsys>), type 
    ipconfig /all
    ether and then press the Enter key.
    Gather hardware and IP addresses from IP Configuration window.

    If a message appears stating that IPConfig could not be found, you probably need to install the TCP/IP networking component, which contains the IPConfig program.

  4. Look for the Description field that identifies your Ethernet card/adapter, and note the number that appears in the Physical Address field on the following line. This 12-digit alpha/numeric combination is your Ethernet hardware address.
  5. Three lines below that is your IP Address.

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