Unveiling the Secrets behind Device Identification on Wi-Fi Networks

What's in a Name?

Delving into the intricate world of network protocols, we stumbled upon an intriguing revelation: the seemingly innocuous string "WEB MSFT 5 0" holds the key to unlocking a fascinating secret about our Wi-Fi-connected devices.

Piecing Together the Puzzle

As we dissect the DHCP exchange between devices and our home routers, a pattern emerges. DHCP, the protocol responsible for assigning IP addresses, carries a wealth of information, including the device's vendor-specific identifier. In the case of "WEB MSFT 5 0," the clue to device identification lies within the vendor class identifier. Interestingly, this identifier is now being used to convey more information than just the device manufacturer.

Take, for example, the case of a device with the DHCP name "WEB MSFT 5 0." This device, as it turns out, is a Windows computer. How can we tell? By examining the vendor class identifier, which in this case corresponds to a known Microsoft identifier for Windows devices. The implications of this discovery are far-reaching, opening up possibilities for more granular device identification and management on Wi-Fi networks.