EUI-48: Extended Unique Identifier, 48-bit Format

An in-depth overview of the EUI-48 identifier used in network protocols such as Bluetooth.

Historical Context

The concept of unique identifiers has been a cornerstone of digital communication, dating back to the early days of computing when networking first began. The EUI-48, which stands for Extended Unique Identifier, 48-bit format, was developed to address the growing need for unique device identification in increasingly complex network environments.

Types/Categories of EUI-48

• MAC Address: Used primarily in networking hardware like Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
• Bluetooth Device Address: Utilized in Bluetooth communication.
• IEEE 802: Applied in various IEEE 802 networking standards.

Key Events

• 1980: Introduction of Ethernet, which used a form of 48-bit unique identifiers for network interfaces.
• 1999: Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) adopted 48-bit identifiers for Bluetooth devices.
• 2001: Standardization of the EUI-48 format by the IEEE.

Detailed Explanation

The EUI-48 is a 48-bit unique identifier usually represented as 12 hexadecimal characters separated by colons or hyphens (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). This identifier is typically divided into two parts:

• Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI): The first 24 bits are assigned to manufacturers by the IEEE.
• Device-Specific Identifier: The last 24 bits are assigned by the manufacturer and are unique to each device.

Mathematical Formulas/Models

There are no specific mathematical formulas used directly in the EUI-48. However, it is a product of combinatorial mathematics where the total number of unique identifiers can be calculated as:

$$ 2^{48} = 281,474,976,710,656 $$

This provides a huge address space, ensuring the uniqueness of each identifier.

Diagrams (Mermaid format)

    graph TD;
	    A[48-bit EUI] --> B(OUI)
	    A --> C(Device-Specific Identifier)
	    B --> D[24-bit Manufacturer Code]
	    C --> E[24-bit Unique Device Code]

Importance and Applicability

The EUI-48 plays a vital role in network communication by ensuring that each device has a unique address. This is essential for network traffic management, device authentication, and seamless communication across various protocols like Ethernet and Bluetooth.

Examples

• Bluetooth Pairing: EUI-48 identifiers are used during the Bluetooth pairing process to ensure devices can recognize each other.
• Networking: Devices on an Ethernet network use EUI-48-based MAC addresses to communicate.

Considerations

When dealing with EUI-48:

• Address Conflicts: Ensure unique addresses to avoid network conflicts.
• Security: Protect the address to avoid unauthorized network access.
• Standardization Compliance: Follow IEEE standards for proper address allocation.

Related Terms with Definitions

• MAC Address: A type of EUI-48 identifier used in network interfaces.
• UUID: Universally Unique Identifier, often longer than EUI-48.
• Bluetooth Address: The unique identifier for Bluetooth devices, following the EUI-48 format.

Comparisons

• EUI-48 vs. UUID: While EUI-48 is 48 bits and primarily used in networking, UUID is 128 bits and used in software applications.
• EUI-48 vs. MAC-48: Essentially the same format, but MAC-48 is traditionally used for network interfaces, while EUI-48 has broader applications.

Interesting Facts

• The EUI-48 format can generate over 281 trillion unique identifiers.
• EUI-48 addresses can be customized to denote specific device information, including manufacturer and device type.

Inspirational Stories

In the early 1980s, the introduction of Ethernet and the subsequent standardization of unique identifiers like EUI-48 revolutionized local area networking, setting the foundation for the modern internet.

Famous Quotes

• “The most powerful tool we have as developers is automation.” – Scott Hanselman, emphasizing the importance of standardized identifiers in automation.

Proverbs and Clichés

• “Identify yourself clearly and distinctly” – Reflects the essence of EUI-48.

Expressions, Jargon, and Slang

• Burned-in Address (BIA): Another term for the factory-assigned EUI-48 identifier.
• MAC Spoofing: The practice of changing the MAC address, usually for privacy concerns or security circumventions.

FAQs

Q: What is the main use of EUI-48? A: EUI-48 is primarily used for identifying hardware devices in network protocols like Ethernet and Bluetooth.

Q: How is an EUI-48 different from an IP address? A: EUI-48 is a hardware address used for physical device identification, while an IP address is a logical address used for network layer identification.

Q: Can an EUI-48 address be changed? A: Generally, EUI-48 addresses are factory-assigned, but some devices allow for user-configurable addresses.

References

1. IEEE Standards Association. “IEEE Std 802-2001.”
2. Bluetooth SIG. “Bluetooth Core Specification v5.2.”

Summary

EUI-48, or Extended Unique Identifier 48-bit format, is crucial in ensuring unique device identification across various networking and communication protocols. From its historical roots to its vast applicability, understanding EUI-48 helps in the seamless operation of modern technology infrastructures.