javascript get mac address of client machine

Getting the MAC Address of a Client Machine using JavaScript

When developing web applications, there are times when we need to identify client machines or devices for record-keeping purposes. In this article, we will explore how to get the MAC address of a client machine using JavaScript.

Traditionally, we have used methods such as passing parameters through querystrings or using cookies to identify devices. However, these methods have their limitations and are not foolproof. For instance, users may clear browser caches or delete cookies, making it difficult to track device identification.

One common method is to use the SERVERREMOTEADDR variable in PHP to get the IP address of a connected client. However, this only provides the gateway's IP address/ MAC and does not give us information about the client machine itself.

To overcome these limitations, we can create a hybrid application that includes a Click-Once Windows application with a browser control. This allows us to access the system's MAC address and other device-related information on startup. Unfortunately, this method is limited to Windows devices only.

In our case, we had a requirement to get the client MAC address for a web application. We came up with a method that encodes the device name and key elements into the querystring used to launch the app. This system has been working well for a customer who has around 50 iPads/locations.

However, it's important to note that you cannot trust cookies as they can be easily cleared or deleted by users. Therefore, we need to look for alternative solutions.

One possible solution is to create a JavaScript that queries for a local storage key and if it doesn't exist, stores a GUID. This method ensures that the device can be identified even if users clear their browser cache.

In conclusion, while there are limitations in getting the MAC address of a client machine using JavaScript, there are still ways to achieve this goal. By combining different methods such as creating hybrid applications or using local storage keys, we can ensure accurate identification of devices for record-keeping purposes.

Javascript get mac address of client machine