Detecting Devices with Duplicate MAC Addresses in SCCM

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a powerful tool for managing and monitoring devices in an enterprise environment. However, encountering devices with duplicate MAC addresses can be a perplexing issue that demands swift resolution. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of identifying and locating devices with duplicate MAC addresses using SCCM.

Understanding the Issue:

Duplicate MAC addresses can lead to network conflicts, disrupt communication, and compromise the stability of your IT infrastructure. Identifying the root cause of this problem is crucial for maintaining a well-functioning network.

Steps to Detect Devices with Duplicate MAC Addresses in SCCM:

Access SCCM Console:

Open the SCCM console on your management server. This is the central hub for managing and monitoring devices in your network.

Navigate to Assets and Compliance:

In the SCCM console, go to the "Assets and Compliance" workspace. This section provides tools for managing devices and ensuring compliance with your organization's policies.

Select Devices:

Under "Assets and Compliance," select "Devices" to view a list of all devices in your network.

Add MAC Address Column:

Customize the view by adding the "MAC Address" column to the device list. This step ensures that you can easily identify devices based on their MAC addresses.

Sort Devices by MAC Address:

Click on the "MAC Address" column header to sort the devices based on their MAC addresses. This will help you quickly identify any duplicate entries.

Identify Duplicate MAC Addresses:

Scan through the list and look for devices that share the same MAC address. Duplicate MAC addresses are a red flag and should be investigated promptly.

Check Device Details:

Select a device with a duplicate MAC address and inspect its details. Note the device's hostname, IP address, and other relevant information that can assist in pinpointing the issue.

Verify Hardware Changes:

Sometimes, duplicate MAC addresses can result from changes in hardware or incorrect configurations. Verify if there have been recent hardware changes or misconfigurations on the identified devices.

Resolve the Duplicate MAC Addresses:

Once you've identified the devices causing the issue, take necessary actions to resolve it. This may involve reconfiguring the MAC address, updating network settings, or replacing the network interface card (NIC) if necessary.

Monitor for Recurrence:

After resolving the issue, monitor the network to ensure that duplicate MAC addresses do not reappear. Regularly check the SCCM console for any anomalies and address them promptly.