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In simple terms, SSID is the name of your Wi-Fi network. For instance, if you see a notification indicating that you are connecting to a network with the SSID named “Airport WiFi,” just scroll through the list of nearby wireless networks and connect to the “Airport WiFi” network.
What is SSID (Service Set Identifier)?
What does SSID stand for?
SSID stands for “Service Set Identifier”. According to the IEEE 802.11 wireless network standard, a “service set” refers to a collection of wireless devices with the same parameters. Therefore, SSID is the identifying name (or label) that specifies which network (or service set) you are joining.
For more in-depth information, you can refer to Wikipedia, but fundamentally, SSID is just a technical term for the name of a wireless network.
How does SSID function?
SSID is designed to distinguish Wi-Fi networks in areas with multiple wireless networks, allowing you to connect to a specific network.
SSID is utilized for all types of Wi-Fi access points, including public Wi-Fi networks and home Wi-Fi networks. Router manufacturers commonly provide default SSIDs such as “Linksys” or “Netgear,” but you have the freedom to change the Wi-Fi name and alter the SSID to any desired name if you have control over Wi-Fi networks and admin privileges.
SSID can have a maximum length of 32 characters, differentiating between uppercase and lowercase letters. Thus, “NetworkName” and “networkname” are two distinct SSIDs. Special characters like spaces, underscores, dots, and hyphens are also allowed.
Wireless routers or Wi-Fi access points broadcast SSIDs, enabling nearby devices to display a list of available networks with user-readable names.
If it's an open network, anyone can connect to the SSID. However, for secured networks using WPA2 or other encryption types, users need a password before connecting. Advice is to avoid storing open Wi-Fi networks.
What happens if there are multiple Wi-Fi networks with the same SSID?
Once connected to a specific SSID, your device will automatically connect to that SSID in the future.
Things get more complicated with multiple Wi-Fi networks sharing the same SSID. If these networks are in the same area, for example, two networks named “Home,” some devices will automatically connect to the network with the strongest signal, while others will connect to the first Wi-Fi network they connected to.
Certainly, if two Wi-Fi networks named “Home” have different passwords, your device will only successfully connect to one of those two Wi-Fi networks. So, if using the same SSID as your neighbor, you may encounter connection issues until you change your SSID.
How to choose and change your SSID
It's advisable to choose a unique SSID, especially if you live in a densely populated area, to prevent connection problems.
Additionally, avoid revealing personal information like your name or address in the SSID, as anyone can see that information. Remember, you are broadcasting the SSID to everyone in the vicinity.
To alter the SSID on a network under your control, simply access the router settings, log in with Admin credentials, and change the SSID or Wi-Fi network name.
This process involves accessing the router's web interface and modifying Wi-Fi settings. However, you can perform this through an app instead, such as Google Wifi providing an application.
How to find the SSID of a Wi-Fi network
If not currently connected to your home Wi-Fi network and unsure of your router's SSID, just access the router configuration page to find the SSID and password. Alternatively, you can connect to the router via an Ethernet cable if Wi-Fi is not available.
If unable to connect to the router, you can find the default SSID printed on the router. Use this method unless you or someone with router access has changed the SSID.
If the above method is unavailable, consider the solution of resetting the router by pressing and holding the Reset button to restore default settings. Refer to the router's user manual for more information. If there is no manual, a simple online search can provide the necessary details.
Should you hide the SSID?
You can easily hide Wi-Fi, hide the SSID on many wireless routers. However, even when the SSID is hidden, the router will still broadcast wirelessly. A Wi-Fi network with a hidden SSID may not appear in the list of Wi-Fi networks on a computer or smartphone, but any user with easily accessible wireless traffic monitoring software can detect this Wi-Fi network.
Even creating a hidden network can lead to connection issues and expose your Wi-Fi connection details. When using a hidden network, your device continuously broadcasts the name and attempts to connect to find the network.
Wi-Fi was never designed to function this way. To secure your Wi-Fi network, use WPA2 encryption and set a strong password. Avoid creating a hidden Wi-Fi network as it is not genuinely secure.
How to hide SSID displayed on your computer
You cannot change the SSID of a network unless it is your own network - meaning you must have Admin privileges to access the wireless router or the devices hosting them. The SSIDs around you are named by those nearby and businesses in proximity.
However, if there's a Wi-Fi network name you prefer not to see, Windows provides a way to block your neighbor's SSID from appearing in the network list.
A Wi-Fi router assists you in connecting your phone or laptop to Wi-Fi for internet access and gaming. However, sharing your Wi-Fi with other users, especially outsiders due to a leaked Wi-Fi password, is regrettable. Therefore, it's advisable to regularly change your Wi-Fi password. The steps to change the Wi-Fi password are relatively simple and not overly complex.
Here, Mytour has just explained what SSID (Service Set Identifier) is for you. Any comments, questions, please leave them in the comment section below the article.
