How to verify that a computer's I.P. address is the expected computer by checking it's MAC address


This article describes how to make sure a computer with an I.P. address is the one you expect. This method is useful when you backup to a computer based on its I.P. address, but when roaming, e.g. using a laptop, you cannot be sure the computer has the same I.P. address.

Create a batch file containing the following:

arp -d 192.168.1.100
ping -n 1 192.168.1.100
if errorlevel 1 exit 1
arp -a 192.168.1.100 | find "00-03-xx-xx-xx-xx"
if errorlevel 1 exit 1

You will need to substitute your remote machine's IP address for 192.168.1.100 and its MAC address for 00-03-xx-xx-xx-xx. You can find the MAC address by running arp from the command prompt.

Modify your profile and set it to run this batch file in the Run Before setting. Tick the option "Abort the profile if the programs return value is not" and enter 0. It will verify that the MAC address of the remote computer is what you expected.