What Is Media Access Control (MAC)?

TechDogs Avatar

The Media Access Control (MAC) layer acts as a go-between for your personal computer and the network. It is in charge of maintaining a record of who is allowed to speak when they are allowed to speak, and the manner in which they speak. In addition, it ensures that nobody is confused about what is going on, even in the event that anybody fails to read a memo. As a component of the data link layer in the OSI model, the media access control (MAC) layer is in charge of the communication that takes place between two computers. This is accomplished with the assistance of other components of the OSI model, specifically the physical, data connection, and network layers. Data packets are sent to and from the network interface card and remotely shared channels by the media access controller (MAC) responsible for this function. It regulates access to all of these various kinds of media, which is why it is termed Media Access Control. Suppose you want to be able to have an informative conversation with your friends about networking. In that case, you should familiarise yourself with this word because the MAC is a crucial networking component. The portion of a network known as the MAC layer is responsible for ensuring that data sent from your device is successfully delivered to the destination it is intended for. It's similar to how the post office works; all that matters is that the parcel arrives on time, regardless of what's inside. When you have a message that you wish to deliver to a specific person, the MAC layer first verifies that you are aware of their location and then assists that person in processing the message. To accomplish this, it makes use of an addressing system (such as an IP address), which communicates to other computers how to locate your device on the network. Then it will establish a connection between your computer and the other computer so that both of you will be able to communicate data to each other without any disruption from other users on the network.

TechDogs Logo

Related Terms by Networking Solutions

New Enterprise Operating Model (NeoM)

The term New Enterprise Operating Model (NeoM) is a mouthful. To get forward in business IT, you need to know what it means—and why it matters. NeoM stands for "new enterprise operating model." It's a term that refers to the fundamental adaptation of companies to new IT realities. Aspects of NeoM involve reimagining the business platform, breaking down silos and diversifying services for business process automation and more. In other words, this is where your company goes from being able to do one thing (like make widgets) well to doing a whole bunch of things (like making widgets and also making waffles) well. It's important because it means you can offer more value to your customers—which will always be a good thing! It's not just enough to change the ways that businesses build platforms. A NeoM involves more. You need to use software like customer relationship management (CRM) systems and enterprise resource planning tools—not just any old CRM or ERP system, but ones designed for the modern age. It would be best to have more targeted analytics operations to support your business as you move forward. In short, NeoM isn't just about changing how you build platforms; it's about ensuring your entire business is built for today's world. NeoM is not new. It's an old idea that has existed for a long time but never really caught on. Now, NeoM is coming back in a big way and here's why: Experts talking about NeoM often talk about changing our ideas about a business platform. The idea is that traditional API-based structures are not the end solution and that other technologies can be added to provide a much more productive result. What does this mean? It means you can use NeoM to create your proprietary technology or modify existing technologies to get them working better for you!

...See More

Non-Fungible Token (NFT)

You are interested in non-fungible tokens (often abbreviated as NFTs). NFTs are an absolute blast! Do you know that conventional currency, such as a dollar note, is fungible, meaning it may be exchanged for another of the same denomination while retaining its original value? NFTs, on the other hand, are the complete antithesis of this. They are one-of-a-kind digital assets that cannot be copied or replaced. They are the equivalent of one-of-a-kind snowflakes in the digital realm. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are tokens kept on a blockchain analogous to a digital ledger that records and verifies all transactions. They can identify ownership and validity via intelligent contracts and may be used to represent everything from artwork to objects in video games to tweets. It's like having a rare collector card or a pair of sneakers from a limited edition, except it takes place in the digital world instead of the physical one. In addition to this, because they are one of a kind, collectors and investors may place a high value on them. Some NFTs have been sold for millions of dollars, which seems off. However, the amusement does not end there. The way we conceive of ownership and authenticity in the digital age may also be subject to a paradigm shift due to the possibilities of NFTs. Imagine being able to provide evidence that you are the rightful owner of a digital asset, such as a piece of artwork or a portion of the property that exists only in the virtual world. That is now possible, thanks to NFTs! To sum up, non-fungible tokens are one-of-a-kind digital assets that can neither be reproduced nor replaced. Due to this, they are in a class all by themselves and have the potential to be quite valuable. They are kept on a distributed ledger called a blockchain, and smart contracts are used to verify their ownership and legitimacy. Who knows, one day, we'll all be able to own a small piece of digital history in the shape of an NFT. One day we'll all be able to hold an NFT. Being alive right now could not be more thrilling!

...See More

NIST Cloud Computing Program

So, you're curious about the NIST Cloud Computing Program? Well, it's an excellent program about helping people use the cloud safely and securely. First, NIST stands for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. These guys are like the tech wizards who develop guidelines and standards to help people use technology better. Now, when we talk about the cloud, we're talking about all fancy computer servers on the internet somewhere. When you store data or run programs in the cloud, you use those servers instead of your computer. It's like renting a storage unit for your stuff instead of keeping it all in your house. So, what does the NIST Cloud Computing Program do? Well, it's all about ensuring people can use the cloud safely and securely. See, the cloud is that it's like a big party to which everyone is invited. People are there, and you only sometimes know whom you deal with. That's why security is super important when it comes to the cloud. The NIST Cloud Computing Program has many guidelines and best practices to help you use the cloud safely. They cover all kinds of stuff, like how to make sure your data is encrypted (that means it's scrambled up so no one can read it), how to make sure your cloud provider is trustworthy, and how to make sure your data is backed up (that means you have copies of it in case something wrong happens). One of the cool things about the NIST Cloud Computing Program is that it's not just for big companies or tech wizards. Anyone can use it! If you're a small business owner who wants to use the cloud to store your data, the NIST Cloud Computing Program can help you do it safely. If you're a regular person who wants to keep their photos in the cloud, the NIST Cloud Computing Program can help you do it safely too! Now, there are some technical terms you should know if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of the NIST Cloud Computing Program. For example, there's something called "multi-tenancy," meaning that many people use the same servers in the cloud. There are also "service-level agreements," which are like contracts between you and your cloud provider that outline what kind of service they will give you. "cloud migration" moves your data and programs from your computer to the cloud. So, that's the NIST Cloud Computing Program in a nutshell! It's all about helping people use the cloud safely and securely, and it's not just for big companies or tech wizards. It includes technical terms like multi-tenancy, service-level agreements, and cloud migration. If you're interested in using the cloud but want to ensure you're doing it right, the NIST Cloud Computing Program is worth checking out!

...See More

Trending Definitions

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is a great way to make your life easier, but it can also be a bit of a headache. We know how busy you are at work, so we've made it easy for you to manage the information that's coming in from your colleagues and other sources. With ICT software, you can: receive notifications whenever someone posts something on your company's Facebook Page or Twitter feed; filter out any information that doesn't interest you so that you don't have to waste time searching through it and find out when people are available to talk or meet up with you online. Although ICT is often considered an extended synonym for information technology (IT), its scope is somewhat broader. ICT is often used to describe the convergence of several technologies and standard transmission lines carrying diverse data and communication types and formats. ICT has become synonymous with all forms of electronic communication, including voice, video, data, and multimedia. The term encompasses all technologies that support these forms of communication. ICT is a big deal. It's a huge deal. ICT is so important that it's the Information and Communication Technology acronym. So you know it's going to be necessary. What does ICT mean? ICT is all about information technology, telecommunications, and computer networks. It's also used to describe devices like smartphones and laptops—any device that helps deliver information or connect people through telecommunication services. In some cases, ICT is associated with providing telecommunication services to underserved areas or promoting more vibrant telecommunications and IT networks and services to facilitate career development. That way, when you're done working on a project, you have to check your phone—and if anyone needs anything from you, they'll already be there waiting for your response!

...See More

Autosense

Let us help you understand what "Autosense" means by dissecting the term in detail! So, are you aware of how you can adjust your behavior in response to the events occurring in your environment? Do your speech change depending on the setting, such as at a formal dinner gathering versus a more relaxed barbecue with your friends? However, "Autosense" is designed for network interfaces rather than computers. When you connect to a network, the network adapter on your device (which enables your device to connect to the internet) needs to know how quick the network is before it can complete the connection. It is essential because if your adapter is set to a speed lower than the network speed, your internet connection will be extremely sluggish, which can be annoying. It is where the "Autosense" feature comes into play. It is a fancy feature that enables your network adapter to automatically recognize how fast the network is and change its settings according to that information. Therefore, if you are connected to a rapid network, your adapter will speed up to match it, and if you are connected to a significantly slower network, your adapter will slow down to check it. This function benefits Ethernet and fast Ethernet networks, switches, hubs, and network interface cards (all different types of technology used for connecting to the internet). In a nutshell, it makes the operation of all of these devices, which does not require any action on your part, run more effortlessly and effectively. Some of these systems even have specialized autosensing that can automatically configure and prioritize the communication required to transfer signals. It's almost like having a network adaptor that has its intelligence! That is so awesome to hear. In a nutshell, "Autosense" is a function that can be found in network adapters, and its purpose is to enable said adapters to recognize and respond to the speed of the network to which they are connected. It is beneficial for ensuring that your internet connection is quick and dependable. It is similar to having a tiny brain inside your device that can adjust to any circumstance.

...See More

Evolved Packet Core (EPC)

Welcome to the world of Evolved Packet Core, also known as EPC. It's like the brain of your mobile network. It controls all the traffic and ensures everything runs smoothly. It may sound tedious but trust us. It's anything but! So what exactly is the EPC? It's a core architecture for 4G and 5G mobile networks that allows fast and efficient data transmission. Think of it like the conductor of an orchestra - making sure all the different components work together seamlessly to create beautiful music. The EPC is made up of several different components, including the Mobility Management Entity (MME), the Serving Gateway (SGW), and the Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW). Each member plays a specific role in managing and routing data traffic. Enough with the technical stuff - let's talk about why the EPC is so excellent. It lets you do fun things with your mobile device, like stream videos, play games, and browse the internet at lightning-fast speeds. With the advent of 5G, the EPC will only get more powerful and versatile. The EPC isn't just fantastic for end users - it's also a critical component of modern telecommunications infrastructure. It lets service providers offer their customers high-quality mobile services. It also makes networks less crowded and more efficient. That's not all - the EPC also plays a crucial role in enabling new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities. With its ability to handle large amounts of data traffic and manage multiple devices simultaneously, the EPC is poised to become a vital enabler of the next wave of technological innovation. So there you have it - Evolved Packet Core, the unsung hero of your mobile network. Without it, you wouldn't be able to enjoy all the cool features of your mobile device, and service providers wouldn't be able to offer the high-quality services we've expected. So the next time you're streaming your favorite show or playing your favorite mobile game, take a moment to thank the EPC for making it all possible.

...See More

Trending Articles

Join Our Newsletter

Get weekly news, engaging articles, and career tips-all free!

By subscribing to our newsletter, you're cool with our terms and conditions and agree to our Privacy Policy.

Home

Hot Topic: AI

News

Articles

Branded Insights

  • Dark
  • Light