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How to find the MAC address through the core switch

You can find the MAC address of devices connected through a core switch by using the MAC address table and tracing the port to the access switch.Steps to Find a MAC Address from the Core Switch
  1. Access the Core Switch
    • Connect via SSH or console to the core switch.
    • Enter privileged EXEC mode using the enable command if required.
  2. View the MAC Address Table
    • Use the command show mac address-table on Cisco switches to display all learned MAC addresses and the associated ports and VLANs .
    • Example:

      Switch# show mac address-tableVlan Mac Address Type Ports---- ----------- ---- -----10 a1b2.c3d4.e5f6 DYNAMIC Gi1/0/1

    • This shows the MAC address, VLAN, type (dynamic or static), and the port on the core switch where the MAC was learned.
  3. Identify the Port Leading to the Access Switch
    • On a core switch, the MAC table will only show addresses that are layer 2 adjacent through the core. The port listed is typically the uplink to the access switch where the end device is connected .
    • If multiple MAC addresses appear on a single port, it usually indicates a trunk connecting to an access switch with multiple devices.
  4. Trace to the Access Switch
    • Once you identify the uplink port, log in to the corresponding access switch.
    • Run show mac address-table on the access switch to find the exact port where the end device is connected .
    • This allows you to pinpoint the physical interface of the device.
  5. Optional: Find the Switch's Own MAC Address
    • To find the MAC address of the switch itself (used for STP or VLAN 1), use show version. The output will display the Base Ethernet MAC address .
Notes
  • Each switchport may have its own MAC address, especially on Layer 3 switches configured as routed ports .
  • Dynamic MAC entries are learned automatically and may age out after a period, while static entries remain until manually removed .
  • This method works for both Cisco and Juniper switches, though command syntax may vary slightly. By following these steps, network administrators can efficiently trace MAC addresses from the core switch down to the specific access switch port, aiding in troubleshooting, monitoring, and network management.
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