> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.hak5.org/wifi-pineapple/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.hak5.org/wifi-pineapple/wifi-basics/broadcast-and-multicast-mac-addresses.md). # Broadcast and Multicast MAC Addresses Often with WiFi networks it is necessary to transmit the same bit of information to all stations. To facilitate this, the WiFi specification includes a special broadcast address. Expressed as the MAC FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF, transmissions destined to this address are meant for all stations in the vicinity. While normally a WiFi interface is only concerned with traffic to and from its own MAC address, the default behavior is to also listen for messages bound to the broadcast address. An example of which is a beacon – a frame which advertises the presence of an access point. A beacon sent to broadcast will be “seen” by all stations in the area. Similarly, a multicast address is a special type of address which operates like a broadcast address for the most part. Multicast addresses are used to set groups of devices which must communicate to many devices simultaneously, or special services such as mDNS and other service discovery protocols. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://documentation.hak5.org/wifi-pineapple/wifi-basics/broadcast-and-multicast-mac-addresses.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.