Wi-Fi MAC Randomization Analysis

This repository contains a study on MAC address randomization behavior in Wi-Fi probe requests, using empirical data from two smartphones: an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a Samsung Galaxy A36.

Overview

Modern smartphones increasingly use randomized MAC addresses to enhance user privacy during Wi-Fi network discovery. This project investigates how randomization varies across:

• Device manufacturers
• OS and hardware versions
• Operational conditions (Wi-Fi status, screen state, power-saving mode)

Experiment Setup

• Devices Tested:

  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • Samsung Galaxy A36

• Tooling:

  • Wireshark (monitor mode)
  • ASUS laptop with Wi-Fi adapter supporting 802.11 capture

• Conditions:

  • 6 different combinations of Wi-Fi ON/OFF, screen ON/OFF, and power-saving ON/OFF
  • Each test lasted ~20 minutes, under controlled indoor conditions on Wi-Fi channel 2

Files

• *.pcap: Raw Wi-Fi packet captures from various scenarios
• WI_Report.Asal_Abbasnejad.Mohmmadreza_Zamani.pdf: Full report describing methodology, results, and conclusions