Any device that has an Ethernet interface requires a unique \u2018MAC\u2019 address, which is programmed at the point of manufacture. This address is literally unique \u2013 every Ethernet device in the world has a different MAC address. (The MAC address should not be confused with a devices IP address, which is an entirely separate address that does not have to be unique across the world). If you are manufacturing a product that includes an Ethernet interface you will need purchase a block of MAC addresses. The IEEE is the body responsible for issuing MAC addresses to manufacturers. Their web site is at:-<\/p>\n
http:\/\/www.iee.org<\/a><\/p>\n If you do not already own a block of addresses the IEEE offers two options:-<\/p>\n To obtain a block of 4,096 MAC addresses from the IEEE (IAB \u2013 Individual Address Block)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The fee for this is $550 (05\/2009)<\/p>\n Use the following link:<\/p>\n http:\/\/standards.ieee.org\/regauth\/oui\/pilot-ind.html<\/a><\/p>\n or if the page has moved search the IEEE site for<\/p>\n Request Form for an Individual Address Block (aka Ethernet address)Block of 4,096 Addresses<\/p>\n To obtain a block of 16,777,214 MAC addresses from the IEEE (OUI – Organizationally Unique Identifier)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The fee for this is $1650 (05\/2009)<\/p>\n Use the following link:<\/p>\n http:\/\/standards.ieee.org\/regauth\/oui\/forms\/<\/a><\/p>\n or if the page has moved search the IEEE site for<\/p>\n Request Form for IEEE Organizationally Unique Identifier or ‘company_id’ (aka Ethernet address)<\/p>\n The following page includes links on how to use the addresses once purchased:-<\/p>\n