Mar 1, 2009

MAC address

MAC address

In computer networking a Media Access Control address (MAC address) is a unique identifier attached to most forms of networking equipment. Most layer 2 network protocols use one of three numbering spaces managed by the IEEE: MAC-48, EUI-48, and EUI-64, which are designed to be globally unique. Not all communications protocols use MAC addresses, and not all protocols require globally unique identifiers. The IEEE claims trademarks on the names 'EUI-48' and 'EUI-64'. (The 'EUI' stands for Extended Unique Identifier.)

ARP/RARP is commonly used to map the layer 2 MAC address to an address in a layer 3 protocol such as Internet Protocol (IP). On broadcast networks such as Ethernet the MAC address allows each host to be uniquely identified and allows frames to be marked for specific hosts. It thus forms the basis of most of the layer 2 networking upon which higher OSI Layer protocols are built to produce complex, functioning networks.

PolyBot - Modular, self-reconfigurable robots

Modular, self-reconfigurable robots show the promise of great versatility, robustness and low cost. Polybot is a modular, self-reconfigurable system that is being used to explore the hardware reality of a robot with a large number of interchangeable modules. Three generations of Polybot have been built over the last three years which include ever increasing levels of functionality and integration. Polybot has shown versatility, by demonstrating locomotion over a variety of terrain and manipulating a variety of objects.

Polybot is the first robot to demonstrate sequentially two topologically distinct locomotion modes by self-reconfiguration. Polybot has raised issues regarding software scalability and hardware dependency and as the design evolves the issues of low cost and robustness are being addressed while exploring the potential of modular, self-reconfigurable robots.

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