The process of assigning a static Media Access Control (MAC) address on devices operating with Android version 5 involves modifying system-level settings to override the dynamically assigned MAC address provided by the network hardware. This procedure requires root access to the device, granting the user elevated privileges to alter system files. An example scenario might involve modifying the `build.prop` file or utilizing a terminal emulator application to execute specific commands targeting the Wi-Fi configuration.
Assigning a persistent MAC address can be important for maintaining network stability in environments where access is regulated based on hardware identification. Benefits may include circumventing certain network restrictions, securing a consistent identity for network access, and simplifying device tracking within a managed environment. Historically, this modification was often pursued to bypass restrictions imposed by network administrators or to achieve greater control over device identification on a local network.