Echo & Alexa Forums

General Category => Smart Devices and Gadgets => Topic started by: Razmear on July 12, 2017, 04:37:38 am

Title: Does every smart bulb have it's own MAC address?
Post by: Razmear on July 12, 2017, 04:37:38 am
I just ordered an Echo for Prime day and am thinking about getting some smart light bulbs.
On my home wifi network I use MAC address security so only devices I specify in the router can connect.
Does every light bulb have it's own MAC address that I'll have to add or do they somehow take a signal directly from the Echo?
I believe my router only allows me to enter in 16 MAC addresses on the Allowed list, so I might run into trouble if I get more than a couple light bulbs, or I'll have to change my WiFi security methods.
Title: Re: Does every smart bulb have it's own MAC address?
Post by: tuicemen on July 12, 2017, 11:05:03 am
It would depend on the brand. Some use RF sent from their hub others use Wi-Fi, I've even seen Bluetooth smartbulbs.
Title: Re: Does every smart bulb have it's own MAC address?
Post by: mike27oct on July 12, 2017, 02:01:36 pm
Just checked my router dashboard, and currently there are 28 devices connected, 13 are wireless, most being Amazon and Google devices and TP Link smart plugs.  I don't hamper myself with any MAC address filtering.  Only things that can get on my network are stuff I put on or allow (like friend's cell phone) that have to pass through the firewall/password system of router.  Why are you going to this extreme?
Title: Re: Does every smart bulb have it's own MAC address?
Post by: renegade600 on July 12, 2017, 03:42:55 pm
yep.  they have their own mac addresses.  it is written on the side of some bulbs. 
Title: Re: Does every smart bulb have it's own MAC address?
Post by: chitambira on July 23, 2017, 11:03:10 am
Anything that talks ethernet (wlan, lan, wan) will have a MAC address. so all bulbd that are controlled directly via Wifi will have MACs, but those that are controlled through hubs eg. those that use RF, will not have MAC addresses