A method for performing self-assignment Layer 2 address acquisition implemented by a client device. The method includes the client device selecting a Media Access Control (MAC) address and generating an outgoing test message that includes a first hash token to test an availability of the selected MAC address. The first hash token includes a K generation hash (HK) value of a seed known only to the client device, where K is an integer value greater than one. The method further includes the client device sending the outgoing test message; determining based on a response to the outgoing test message or a lack of a response to the outgoing test message that the selected MAC address is not in use, and using the selected MAC address based on the determination that the selected MAC address is not in use.