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CarlM40484's avatar
CarlM40484
Novice
Apr 22, 2013

Assign Device Name to MAC address

I have different access points and have noticed that many times there is no Device Name associated with a MAC address. I want to know if there is a way to globally assign a device Name to a MAC address. So that whenever the device attaches it will always show the correct Device Name.

Thanks
Carl

(I am really tired of having to go to my MAC spreadsheet to find out which device is attached.)

6 Replies

  • jmizoguchi's avatar
    jmizoguchi
    Virtuoso
    Apr 23, 2013
    You can not. router uses ARP to get the device name.
    Some device (not computer) may not have a device name that will not show as well
  • fordem's avatar
    fordem
    Mentor
    Apr 23, 2013
    Why do you need to know what devices are attached?

    I've been running wireless networks since the days of 802.11 (that's right, no alpha suffix) and never needed to know.

    If your answer is intrusion detection, there are easier ways than manually going to the access point and checking it's logs, and, as an intruder, I could spoof your MAC address (in less time than it take to explain how) and you would be none the wiser.
  • CarlM40484's avatar
    CarlM40484
    Novice
    Apr 23, 2013
    fordem wrote:
    Why do you need to know what devices are attached?

    I've been running wireless networks since the days of 802.11 (that's right, no alpha suffix) and never needed to know.

    If your answer is intrusion detection, there are easier ways than manually going to the access point and checking it's logs, and, as an intruder, I could spoof your MAC address (in less time than it take to explain how) and you would be none the wiser.


    Good for you.

    My question is valid to me. Now go away and do not bother me again.
  • jmizoguchi's avatar
    jmizoguchi
    Virtuoso
    Apr 23, 2013
    CarlM40484 wrote:
    Good for you.

    My question is valid to me. Now go away and do not bother me again.


    You need to behave yourself. If you going to manner that insult or rant , you will ban from the forum.
  • CarlM40484's avatar
    CarlM40484
    Novice
    Apr 23, 2013
    jmizoguchi wrote:
    You can not. router uses ARP to get the device name.
    Some device (not computer) may not have a device name that will not show as well


    Can the APR not have a flag set to display a specific name to a specific MAC? I thought that ARP used some of the router memory to make the resolution faster.

    One problem is that sometimes the name appears and other times it does not. I have even had a reported wireless connection without an IP address. This happens even after rebooting (thru Genie).

    Sure would like to change this so the name appears.

    Thanks
  • CarlM40484's avatar
    CarlM40484
    Novice
    Apr 23, 2013
    jmizoguchi wrote:
    You can not. router uses ARP to get the device name.
    Some device (not computer) may not have a device name that will not show as well



    I thought that ARP used some of the router memory to facilitate the resolution process. Is there not some way to set a flag in ARP to show a specific name? I could set this on each router.

    The name appears at times and then does not display at other times. Rebooting the router does not help. I have had this problem with both computers and devices.

    I have even had a MAC show up in the list of attached with no IP address listed. Is this a symptom of the router failing?

    Sure would like to resolve this somehow.

    Thanks. (possible duplicate post)