How long is a MAC address in bits?

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is 48 bits in length. This addresses hardware devices on a local network, allowing them to communicate with each other at the data link layer of the OSI model. The MAC address is typically represented as a series of hexadecimal digits, forming six pairs, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. Each pair consists of 8 bits, which totals 48 bits.

Understanding the significance of the MAC address is crucial for networking. It uniquely identifies each device within a network segment and plays an essential role in Ethernet communication, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), and other networking operations. This 48-bit structure enables a vast number of unique addresses, accommodating the diverse range of devices connected to modern networks.

The other options presented do not accurately represent the length of a MAC address. For instance, 32 bits, 64 bits, and 24 bits do not conform to the standard MAC address length, which could lead to confusion regarding device identification and communication processes within a network.