How important is MAC address filtering for a wireless network?

[Trisha]

My husbands work computer doesn't have a MAC address on the bottom of it, so I wasn't able to set up the MAC address filtering on our home wireless network. Is there some other way to get the MAC address?

If we have to go without using MAC address filtering - how much of a security risk that? (we don't broadcast the SSID and use WPA2).

And one more question about MAC addresses - on my laptop and my husband's personal one there were 2 different MAC addresses on the bottom. Apparently I guessed right with which one to use, but why is there 2 and how to you determine (without just guessing) which is the correct one?

[Receptional Andy]

You can easily retrieve a mac address on windows computers by going to start >> run >> and typing "cmd" (without the quotes). Enter "ipconfig /all" (without the quotes) into the dos prompt window.

If you're on vista you need adminstrative privileges. There are various methods for other operating systems.

[BillyS]

You can also turn off the MAC address filtering for a minute or two and have his computer connect to the network. I'm assuming you're using other WPA2 or other security on the network.

Then go check your wireless router and see what MAC address are connected to then network - your husband's machine should be on the list...

[Trisha]

Thanks! I was able to get his address with your help!

I feel much more secure now too!