How does it work?

Methodology

Input is validated, converted to an unchanged 48-bit value, and queried against the active data release.

1. 1

   Strict normalization

   Four explicit MAC formats are accepted. U/L and I/G bits are never cleared.

2. 2

   Longest-prefix match

   Authoritative candidates are checked at 36, 28, and 24 bits in that order. The first active match wins; CID is excluded from full-MAC lookup.

3. 3

   Separate claim layer

   Owner-curated results are searched from 1–48 bits and never overwrite an official assignment.

4. 4

   Versioning and suppression

   Every API response carries API and app version headers; data responses include the active release. Emergency suppression changes the cache version.