What is Network SSID And How To Find It?

SSID stands for "Service Set Identifier" which in simpler terms is the name of a wireless network. To locate your network's SSID, look at bottom of router where you will find a sticker with details including network name and password.

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What is Network SSID?

A "Service Set Identifier" is a sequence of characters that uniquely names a wireless local area network (WLAN). In more technical terms, it is the primary name associated with an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN). This name helps stations to connect to the desired network when multiple independent systems operate in the same physical area.

Each set of wireless devices that are communicating directly with each other are called a "Basic Service Set (BSS)." When several BSSs are joined together, it forms one logical WLAN segment that is called "extended Service Set (ESS)." The SSID is simply the 1-32 byte alphanumeric name that is given to each ESS.

How to Find Your SSID?

Generally, the default SSID is mentioned on the body of the router on a sticker, which might also be referred to as the network name. Along with it will be mentioned the password that will be needed to connect to the Wi-Fi. In case the sticker is not there, you can follow these steps:

  • Connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable
  • Open the web browser, type in your IP address. If you do not know your IP, try visiting 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.2.1
  • Once you find the right address, you will need to log in using the routers administrative password (mentioned in the manual)
  • Once you reach the router interface, look for the wireless settings page to find your SSID. The exact directions will vary depending on the model. Still, it should be under the necessary settings or on the main menu.
  • Once you find the SSID, note it down and close the browser when finished

How to Change Your SSID and Password?

For you to change your network name (SSID), you can follow the steps mentioned above for finding your SSID. Once you reach the section that says your SSID, you can type in your new network name and save it. Make sure not to use any personal information as your network name since it displays publicly.

To change your network password, follow the steps below:

  • Open your web browser and type in the default IP address
  • Log in to the admin panel using the administrative username and password
  • Go to the settings and look for an option called "Security" or "Wireless Security"
  • Ensure that your router security mode is set to WPA2 or WPA2 AES if available. This will make hacking into your system a little more complicated.
  • Below or above this option, you will find the option to type in a password or passphrase. Make sure the password you choose is secure, 12 characters long at least, and a combination of alphabets, numbers, and special figures with a mix of upper and lower cases.

SSID Security

SSID is just a name given to a network. On its own, an SSID does not secure a network. A hacker can sniff your SSID through robust tools which reveal your network name. As a precautionary measure, you should turn off your SSID broadcasting to conceal your network.

Here are some precautionary measures you should take to secure your SSID.

Filter your MAC addresses

Every device has a unique MAC address. For added protection, you can add the MAC addresses of all the methods to your wireless router's settings so that only those devices can connect to your Wi-Fi network.

Reduce the range of the wireless signals

If your wireless router has a high range, you can decrease its range by altering your router’s mode to 802.11g (instead of 802.11n or 802.11b). You can also opt for a different wireless channel. This is extremely beneficial if you’re living in a studio apartment.

Can a router have multiple SSIDs?

Yes, if your access point allows it. However, it is not recommended to have more than 2 SSIDs because it increases channel utlization. For this to work, each SSID should have band steering enabled. Multi-SSID mode is suitable when you want your devices connected to different wireless networks and become isolated by VLANs.

How to Connect Your Smartphone to a Wireless Network with SSID broadcast disabled?

You can connect your wireless devices by simply adding the network on your smartphone network list.

If you are an Android user, follow the steps mentioned below:

  1. Tap on Settings
  2. Select Connections and Click on Wi-Fi
  3. At the bottom of the list, tap on + Add network.
  4. Enter your SSID in the text field called Network Name
  5. Now choose the security type your network is using. It is likely to be WPA/WPA2-Personal
  6. Tap on Save