getting the mac address of the router.

[pranav2794]

I want to get the mac address of the router that is just next to my internet connection. As i have studied that in the TCP/IP layer 3 header which is usually used when routing any message there are following things :
the source ip
the target ip
the source mac address
and the destination mac address.

when the destination mac is demanded the router instead of giving the mac of the target host gives its mac address to the frame that the source host is constructing. Now my router receives the packet and routes it to the next router in my ISP, I wanted to know the MAC of this router in my ISP.

[Gatito]

Use a packet sniffer like Wireshark. After installing it open your browser go to any site you want, open wireshark and check packets with the http protocol. The destination MAC address is the router's ( if the PC you installed wireshark is connected directly with the router without any devices between ).

[Goatboy]

Gatito, I don't think that's what he needs.

MAC addresses are local to your network. This means they have no significance outside of it (on the Internet, for example). As a matter of fact, they are not even sent out with your Internet traffic. So trying to find the MAC address of a router tha you are not directly connected to is, for all intents and purposes, impossible.

[Gatito]

Oh, I assumed he meant the router that connects him with the interwebz. After rereading his post I think he means the router that is directly connected with his local router, I think. It should be possible to get the mac by putting a hub in the middle and do some sniffing. Unless you want to find the manufacturer of the router the mac won't do you any good i know of.

[pranav2794]

sorry guys i skipped something in my question, actually i want to know the MAC of my ISP's router which is next to the my router/modem.
How can I do it ?
I have this info with me :
"I pinged that ISP router its pinging, but not telnetting which may be due to security."

[Gatito]

You skipped the answers too. I think the guy above you did a decent job answering your question. And although your question was hard to understand he read it & reread it and he managed to decipher it. So..... did you read the answer? Did you? But then again I can't guarantee it will work. Why do you need the MAC anyways?

[pranav2794]

sorry for the mistakes,
i was just trying to get the MAC, not really needed, but just thinking if I can or not .