How many bits make up a MAC address?

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on a physical network segment. It is composed of 48 bits, which is typically represented in hexadecimal format as a string of 12 hexadecimal digits (each hex digit represents 4 bits). This 48-bit structure allows for a vast number of unique addresses, sufficient to assign distinct identifiers to a large number of devices across various networks.

The significance of having a 48-bit MAC address comes from the need for unique identification of devices within a local network. The MAC address is divided into two parts: the first half (24 bits) identifies the manufacturer (Organizationally Unique Identifier, or OUI), while the second half (24 bits) is used to identify the specific device assigned by that manufacturer. This structure helps in ensuring that no two devices have the same MAC address within the same local network, facilitating effective communication and data transfer.

The other options provided do not correctly represent the standard MAC address size and do not relate to current networking practices. Therefore, the 48-bit length is the established standard for MAC addresses in network communications.