An organization’s network receives multiple requests for IP allocation from various devices. However, it’s the duty of network admins to verify and permit only legitimate client devices to access network resources.
MAC filtering is the feature where network administrators can selectively permit client devices for IP allocation by identifying their devices’ MAC addresses. A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to devices which will be used for identity and verification when a DHCP request is sent to the DHCP server for IP leasing.
This way, the organization can secure their network environment with layered protection and only allow authorized individuals into the network while restricting unauthorized users to access IP resources, thus enhancing network security and reliability.
How does MAC filtering work?
MAC filtering is configured by network admins with two different lists of MAC addresses: allowlist and blocklist. The allow list contains the MAC addresses of devices that the organization would like to gain access to their network. While, the blocklist contains the MAC addresses of devices that are considered unauthorized and shouldn’t be permitted in the network.
MAC filtering continuously scans the network, routers, switches, and servers to quickly identify device requests. When a device tries to connect to the network, the DHCP request will be recognized by MAC filtering. The MAC address of the device will be compared with both the allow list and blocklist.
If the MAC address matches with the one defined in the allowlist, the device will be leased with an IP address and allowed to enter the network. If it matches with the blocklist, the device will be restricted from getting IP leased.
Benefits of MAC filtering
Network device management:
Administrators have more control over the number of approved devices that receive an IP lease and connect to the organization’s network, and prevent unauthorized or external devices from gaining access to the network. This helps in mitigating potential cybersecurity risks and cyberattacks that lead to loss of confidential data. MAC filtering’s continuous monitoring over device requests reduces the manual work needed for device verification.
Secure network environment:
MAC filtering reduces the risk of attackers breaching the network and causing damage to the organization’s security and privacy. Therefore, both clients and employees of the organization can work in a secure network environment without worrying about cyberattacks. This increases the trust and efficiency of the organization’s network.
Access control:
MAC filtering implements strict control over allowing only trusted devices to connect. This helps organizations enforce device-level authentication without needing user input every time. Administrators can have visibility on who are accessing the network and are they legitimate, to prevent network breaching.
Bandwidth management:
By filtering out unauthorized or unrecognized devices, MAC filtering prevents network congestion caused by unknown users or bandwidth-heavy devices. This allows administrators to preserve internet speed and quality of service for authorized users. In a professional setting, this ensures that business-critical applications, video conferencing, and file sharing services receive consistent and reliable connectivity.
Selective permit trusted clients’ devices into your network with MAC filtering
Organizations with a large and expanding network environment benefit from MAC filtering as they can ensure the permitting of legitimate devices to get IP allocated and restrict unwanted devices to breach in without administrators’ permission and control. This ensures admins can secure their data, devices, and connectivity while confidentially expanding their network to add more devices without compromising privacy.
Try a free, 30-day trial now to explore and understand how organizations can benefit from MAC filtering.
