Yes, Plume supports connections from devices that have implemented MAC address randomization (Private Address). Being able to connect to WiFi using a random MAC address is a new feature recently released in Android 10, Windows 10, and iOS 14. Through our Advanced Device Typing feature, your Plume will still be able to properly recognize devices with a random MAC and assign them to the proper device category and icon. The device brand, name, and model should also still be displayed.
Limitations when using a random MAC on Plume networks
Using a random MAC address is a great way to improve your device's privacy, particularly when connecting to networks that are not your own. Although, there are a few things to keep in mind if you are using a random MAC address on a Plume network.
Certain features and policies rely on a consistent MAC address on the device to function.
- People assignments
- People At Home
- Content Access rules
- Device freeze schedules
- Device and Person level Guard rules
- IP reservations and port forwarding*
Every time a device changes its MAC address, the device will appear as new to your Plume network and these rules/configurations will have to be applied to the device again. Depending on the implementation being used on the device, the MAC can change whenever there is an SSID change, the Wi-Fi network is forgotten, or even daily (Windows 10).
How to limit the impact while using random MAC addresses?
In the saved network settings of your device, there is usually an option that allows you to choose the hardware MAC address when connecting to your Plume network, while still using a random MAC for other networks.
Have Content Access and Guard rules set up at the Person Level. This allows you to quickly assign the device to a person so their rules can be applied to the device when it connects using a different MAC address.
*These are set using the HomePass app when Plume is operating in Router Mode. When operating Plume in Bridge Mode, these are set on the router, however, the impact will be the same and assignments will have to be done again if the device's MAC changes.