## Using MAC Addresses

Ethers enables you to associate a Media Access Control (MAC) address with each device IP name or IP address. Each MAC address identifies a storage location or device for each IP name or IP address. When you enter or update a MAC address for an array, the array can be automatically assigned an IP address at boot time. The mapping between IP and MAC is done with the `/etc/hosts` and `/etc/ethers` files.

Note -

An Ethernet address is assigned at the factory to the Ethernet controller board. Network communication requires that the fixed Ethernet address be mapped to the IP address of the device.

### Related Topics

- Entering and Erasing MAC Addresses