Question:

How can I connect a Lenovo smart clock with a random MAC address to a network that uses MAC address whitelisting?

I have a Lenovo smart clock that changes its MAC address randomly and frequently. This causes problems with my apartment’s network, which requires me to register the MAC address of each device on a website before it can access the internet. The network provider, Spectrum Community Solutions, does not allow me to use my own router or set up a separate wifi connection. Lenovo and Google do not offer any solutions to disable the random MAC address feature on the smart clock. Is there any way to bypass the MAC address whitelisting or spoof the MAC address of the smart clock so that it can stay connected to the network? I am willing to buy additional devices if needed.

Answer:

How to Connect a Lenovo Smart Clock with a Random MAC Address to a Network that Uses MAC Address Whitelisting

If you have a Lenovo smart clock that changes its MAC address randomly and frequently, you may encounter problems with your apartment’s network that uses MAC address whitelisting. This is a security feature that only allows devices with registered MAC addresses to access the internet. However, this can be inconvenient if your device’s MAC address keeps changing, as you will have to register it again and again on the network’s website. Moreover, some network providers, such as Spectrum Community Solutions, do not allow you to use your own router or set up a separate wifi connection. Lenovo and Google do not offer any solutions to disable the random MAC address feature on the smart clock either. So, is there any way to bypass the MAC address whitelisting or spoof the MAC address of the smart clock so that it can stay connected to the network? Fortunately, there are some possible solutions that you can try, depending on your budget and technical skills.

One option is to use a device that can clone the MAC address of another device and act as a bridge between the smart clock and the network. For example, you can use a [Travel Router](https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wireless-Portable-Router-TL-WR902AC/dp/B01N5RCZQH) that has a MAC address cloning feature. This device can connect to the network using the MAC address of your laptop or smartphone, which you have already registered on the website. Then, you can connect the smart clock to the travel router’s wifi network, which will relay the internet access to the smart clock. This way, the network will only see the MAC address of the travel router, which will not change, and the smart clock will not need to be registered. However, this solution may have some drawbacks, such as:

• You will need to buy a travel router that has a MAC address cloning feature, which may cost around $40.
• You will need to configure the travel router to clone the MAC address of your laptop or smartphone, which may require some technical skills.
• You will need to keep the travel router plugged in and close to the smart clock, which may limit the placement of the smart clock.
• You will need to make sure that the laptop or smartphone whose MAC address is cloned is not connected to the network at the same time as the travel router, as this may cause conflicts or errors.

Solution 2: Use a MAC Address Spoofing App

Another option is to use an app that can spoof the MAC address of the smart clock and make it appear as a different device to the network. For example, you can use a [MAC Address Changer](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wireless.macchanger) app that can run on your smartphone and connect to the smart clock via Bluetooth. This app can change the MAC address of the smart clock to match the MAC address of your smartphone, which you have already registered on the website. Then, you can connect the smart clock to the network using the spoofed MAC address, which will not change. However, this solution may have some drawbacks, such as:

• You will need to download and install a MAC address changer app on your smartphone, which may require some permissions or fees.
• You will need to pair your smartphone with the smart clock via Bluetooth, which may drain the battery of both devices.
• You will need to keep the smartphone close to the smart clock, which may limit the mobility of the smartphone.
• You will need to make sure that the smartphone whose MAC address is spoofed is not connected to the network at the same time as the smart clock, as this may cause conflicts or errors.

Conclusion

In

conclusion, there are some possible ways to connect a Lenovo smart clock with a random MAC address to a network that uses MAC address whitelisting. However, none of them are perfect and may involve some costs, risks, or inconveniences. Therefore, you may want to weigh the pros and cons of each solution and decide which one suits your needs and preferences best. Alternatively, you may want to contact your network provider or Lenovo and Google and request them to offer a more permanent and user-friendly solution to this problem.