Managing network traffic for VR headsets can feel like a game of whack-a-mole when MAC addresses keep changing. By default, many modern headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and VIVE Focus 3 use randomized MAC addresses to enhance privacy.
While that’s great for the average consumer, it's a headache for enterprise admins who rely on static MAC addresses for network filtering, whitelisting, or static IP assignments.
The Problem: Why "Random" is a Problem
Network gateways and firewalls often identify devices by their unique hardware MAC address. When a device generates a new "Randomized MAC" for every connection:
Static IP assignments fail.
Web filtering policies may not apply correctly.
Device tracking in network logs becomes nearly impossible.
Solution 1: ArborXR Wi-Fi Network Configuration Preset (Recommended)
The most efficient way to handle this at scale is through ArborXR's Wi-Fi Network Configuration Presets. This allows you to force the device to use its hardware MAC address automatically when connecting to a specific SSID.
How to configure it:
Navigate to Configuration Presets in the ArborXR dashboard.
Click on Wi-Fi Networks to expand the section.
Select Create Wi-Fi Network.
Configure network details.
To configure MAC address specifically, check the Manage MAC Address Randomization then select Use factory MAC address.
Solution 2: Manual On-Device Configuration
Connect the device to the Wi-Fi network in question from the device’s Settings, then set the setting in the WiFi network to use the 'device MAC'. This should prevent the device from defaulting to the 'randomized MAC'.