How to find out the Wi-Fi network name (SSID). What is SSID? Changing the name of the wireless Wi-Fi network

An access point is a very useful thing, but it should not be confused with a router. There are some differences between them, although they perform very similar functions.

Access point - what is it

An access point (APN) is a device through which other devices gain access to the Internet. Let's say you have wired Internet, and you need to connect several devices to it - a computer, telephone and TV. APN will come to the rescue: by connecting an Internet cable to it, you will distribute the Internet to all devices via a W-Fi network.

Differences between APN and router

A standard router does the same job - it takes the Internet from one source and distributes it to many devices. But, firstly, this was not always the case: initially, routers divided the Internet from one cable into several wires, each of which could be connected to one device. This possibility remains in modern routers: on the rear panel there is one input for a WAN cable that supplies the Internet, and several inputs for wires that will lead the Internet to some device. But after some time, routers learned to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi, so the difference between them and APN decreased, but still remained.

The router has an input for WAN and LAN cable

Secondly, the router can do more than APN. The access point only receives information and sends it out, the router is the same, but can also:

route (redistribute) traffic between several network levels. That's why it is sometimes called a router;
issue an individual number to each connected device (assign an IP), which helps manage the amount of traffic allocated to a particular device. For example, thanks to this, you can limit the maximum speed of one device so that another gets higher priority;
guarantees greater security, as it has a built-in firewall;
may have even more settings, the availability of which depends on the router model.

There are also differences in the usage process, listed in table format.

Table: router differences from APN

Router	APN
By connecting the router first to the provider's cable and configuring it once, you do not have to separately configure each computer or laptop connected after it in your home/office network	The device located on the network after the access point will need to make settings from the provider.
You can easily organize a home network: the router will act as a dhcp server, distribute IP addresses within the network, you only need to connect the devices to the configured router - it will do the rest itself.	You will have to tinker with your home network settings, including, possibly, obtaining additional IP addresses from your provider.
The router has firewall functionality and a built-in firewall, which means it provides improved network protection.	The access point does not have any security functionality other than simple traffic encryption.
If you need high connection speed for some tasks, you can always connect your computer to the router using a network cable and get the maximum speed that your provider provides.	Most access points do not have a wired data transfer interface to end devices, and the wireless connection speed is not suitable for all tasks.
For the operation of some highly specialized programs/interfaces, it may be necessary to configure port forwarding on the router, since the internal IP address of the devices is not accessible “from the outside”, from the router’s subnet.	The access point transparently broadcasts traffic, and for some highly specialized tasks this is good. The IP address of the end device is accessible from the outside without additional settings.

What to choose - APN or router

Based on all the differences described above, we can conclude: it is better, because it is easier, to use a router. APN is convenient in offices and organizations; it is recommended to use a router in home and private premises, as it is easy to both configure and reconfigure in the future, it is safer, has more settings and provides the ability to distribute the Internet via cable, which ensures the fastest and most stable distribution Internet.

The last factor is very important: APN distributes the Internet only via Wi-Fi, and many desktop computers cannot receive a Wi-Fi signal. Of course, you can purchase additional equipment for your computer, but if your goal is comfort at home, use a router.

But APNs are sometimes used for another purpose: increasing the range of the router. Let's say you have a router that distributes the Internet to several rooms, but its signal does not reach the farthest one, and there is no way to rearrange it. In this case, the router synchronizes with the APN, which increases the signal strength. Many companies produce both routers and access points, so their compatibility is ensured.

What to look for when purchasing an APN

If you still decide to purchase an APN, then pay attention to the following characteristics:

maximum number of connected devices - shows how many devices the APN can simultaneously service. Of course, if APN is installed at home, where 2-4 devices will connect to it, then this parameter is not important, but for organizations in which the number of devices exceeds a hundred, this is important;
what is used to control it, is there any special software from the manufacturer;
maximum and minimum data transfer speed;
encryption method, WPA or WPA2 is recommended, a more outdated method is WEP;
frequency range - also affects connection speed, compatibility, range, and the ability of the signal to bypass physical barriers.

Select a device based on price/quality ratio. Ask your salesperson to tell you which APN is best for your needs.

APN setup

In most cases, the access point is configured automatically as soon as it gains access to the Internet. But in the future you can reconfigure it by following these steps:

Some companies provide a special program that allows you to manage APN. But in most cases, a local website is provided, launched through a browser. You can find out which method is used in your case in the instructions. We will consider the second option - to enter the site, usually, but not always, the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 is used. To log in you will need a username and password, this is used by default. Login information can also be found in the instructions or on the manufacturer’s website.
Enter your password and login to log in
The interface of points from different manufacturers differs, but the general logic remains the same: find the “Network setup” or “Quick setup” section and go to it.
Go to the “Quick setup” section
In it you can select a network, a name for it, set a password for the connection, select an encryption method and signal strength. There are also more detailed settings here (standard, frequency, VMM), which should not be touched if you do not know what they affect.
We change all the necessary settings of the access point

APN via device

Most modern devices are capable of performing APN functions - distributing mobile or wired Internet via Wi-Fi network to other devices. The speed and range are sometimes lower than in a separate base station, but the capabilities should be sufficient for temporary Internet distribution. Please note that when distributing mobile Internet, traffic is sometimes limited or paid for in a different, often more expensive, plan.

Android

Open your device settings.
Open Android settings
Go to the "More" section.
Open the “More” section
Open the “Access Point” subsection.
Open the “Access Point” section
Select the distribution method: Wi-Fi network, cable or Bluetooth. Activate one of them. Done, the second device connected using the selected method has gained access to the Internet.
Activate one of the access point modes

iOS

If the Modem Mode tab is missing, follow these steps:

While in your device settings, open the Cellular tab.
Open the “Cellular Communications” section
Select the “Cellular Data Network” sub-item.
Open the “Cellular Data Network” section
Fill in the APN, name and password lines. Data for different operators is presented in the table below.
Register APN, login and password

Table: network settings for popular operators

Laptop

This method is suitable for users of laptops running Windows 7. In other versions of the system, it is also possible to create an APN, but the steps will be slightly different. It will not be possible to distribute the Internet from a personal computer without additional equipment, since PCs as standard do not know how to receive and transmit a Wi-Fi network.

Click on the network icon in the lower right corner of the screen and go to the network control center.

Wifi surrounded us everywhere. We can no longer imagine life without these networks, which allow us to connect to the Internet anywhere. But they cannot arise on their own. For this, special network devices are used. A large variety of them are produced. In this article, we’ll look at one of these devices and figure out what a wifi access point is.

Access point and router

Let's first look at the definitions of each of these devices.

An access point is a small station that creates a connection to a ready-made network. It receives Internet connection from the router and transmits it further. There are more expensive models that allow you to do this without routers, but they vary greatly in price. It should also be noted that the access point has only one connector.

Router ( router) is a special network device that has several interfaces. It allows you to exchange data between different devices on the network. The router is capable of distributing Wi-Fi to all devices located nearby.

What do a router and an access point have in common? The answer is quite simple. Most modern routers have the function of creating a new wireless network. Access points operate on a similar system. This allows all home devices to use wifi.

But the access point has additional functions. It allows you to create a Wi-Fi connection based on an existing one. This is necessary in cases where the router cannot distribute the Internet at the required distance on its own. It can also help reduce the load on the router. There are many applications that can be found.

Next, let's talk about how to choose an access point

access points and their applications

Access point specifications

Manufacturing materials

The device is divided into the following types based on materials of manufacture:

For external placement. Used when you need to place the device outdoors or in other unpredictable environments.
For indoor placement. Placement in an office or home.

It should be noted that the first type requires stronger materials in order for the device to work as long as possible.

Installing an access point

Also, the device can be placed in different ways. Standard placement options are on a table or on a wall. But you can also plug it into a power outlet, which is ideal for repeater mode. This is the most convenient and easiest way of all.

Operating frequency

Transmitters can operate at different frequencies - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Models that support these frequencies simultaneously are also sold.

Transmitter power

The resulting transmitter power affects the strength and distance over which the signal is transmitted. The higher it is, the further you can distribute the wifi network. Also, with high power, the network passes through walls and other obstacles better.

But it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to buy a device with the strongest signal without obtaining special permits. The maximum permitted transmitter power in our system is 20dBm. Anything more is professional equipment that must be registered with special authorities.

Maximum wifi speed

Each access point has its own standard of supported communication. It allows you to draw conclusions about the speed at which you can use the Internet. Information about the standard must be clarified before purchasing. The best thing to do here is to consult a specialist.

Number of antennas

This option is completely related to the previous paragraph. The more antennas a wi-fi access point has, the faster its speed. But you need to understand that not all antennas can be used. Some of them will not work if there are fewer of them in the receiving device, such as a laptop.

Antennas can have different operating ranges.

Antenna types

There are two types of antennas:

internal;
external.

The second type of antenna can often be removed in order to replace it with a more powerful and suitable one. This helps strengthen the signal.

Ethernet port speed

These ports connect the transmitter to a wired network. If you have a high-speed Internet connection, then you should choose the maximum allowable speed of these ports, i.e. up to 1000 Mbit/s. If your provider does not allow you to use a very fast connection, then a speed of 100 Mbit/s will be sufficient.

PoE support

This is a special function that transmits electrical energy and data using a transmitter. It is used in cases where the transmitter is located at a considerable distance from sockets and other means of supplying electricity. But this function

will significantly increase the cost of the access point. This function is used mainly in professional models.

Transmitter operating modes

Access point

The most popular and used operating mode, which creates a wifi network for connecting devices. It is also possible to create a network based on an existing one.

A bridge connects two wireless networks together. This increases range and capabilities.

Repeater

A wifi access point is used as a signal repeater. Allows you to repeat an existing signal, which greatly increases the network coverage area.

This is what allows you to turn the received wireless signal into a wired one. Used for desktop computers.

Router

Allows you to create a new wifi connection with your own settings.

Making a choice

We have already decided on access point and what is it. Now let's move on to the choice.

First of all, you need to choose in which mode your transmitter will be used, options:

If you want to create wifi on an existing wired network, then select the “access point” mode
If you need to connect two networks into one, then select support for the “bridge” mode.
If you want to expand the coverage area of one wifi network, you must choose models with repeater support.

After you decide on the operating mode, proceed to selecting the connection speed. The common range is 2.4 GHz. It is cheaper than other options. 5 GHz is suitable for residents of high-rise buildings who require less network congestion. Also, when choosing a speed, keep in mind that devices must support the same connection standards.

Let's sum it up

We answered the question about what a wi-fi access point is. This is a way of creating or expanding the range of a signal. You should not buy models with a large number of antennas or high speed if this is not necessary. Choose a device that suits your individual needs.

We often use WiFi to connect to the Internet. And not only in public places, but also at home. What’s easier is to install a router and provide a connection for all devices at the same time. We only pay for one service. And to select the right connection, we need to know the SSID.

Service Set Identifier – this is the name of the network that we see in settings and network connections. It is necessary to select the desired option. Look at the screenshot, even in an ordinary apartment building you will see many different WiFi.

Network SSID - what is it?

In our case, we should go to the Status tab to find out the identifier.

The second way is to go to network connections on your computer. Right-click the connection icon in the taskbar and select Network and Sharing Center.

Here you will see the name of the active connection.

How to change the identifier in the router settings?

It's not difficult to do this. Look for the item that concerns WiFi connection settings. For us it is “Wireless setup”. Click the “Wireless Connection Setup Wizard” button.

Next comes an information window warning about the actions that will be taken.

After clicking “Next” you can change the ID.

And at the last step we will save.

Important: the interface depends on the model and year of manufacture of the router, so you must carefully study all menu items to find the desired option.

How to hide WiFi?

If you do not want the SSID of your network to appear in the list of networks, then you need to use the function to disable broadcast SSID.

Broadcasting is a method of transmitting data when it is received by all network participants. Broadcast closure is used to further ensure connection security.

Wi-fi has been part of modern life for a long time. To set up, connect and work on a wireless network, you need to know the SSID. Any user of computers and mobile gadgets encounters it, regardless of their level of proficiency in modern technologies. Read about what a network SSID is in this article.

SSID

When they say identifier, name, name, link, they mean wi-fi SSID. In any case - when you connect from a smartphone, or join it from a PC, or configure a router - you select the network by name. Open the Wi-Fi selection window on your smartphone, you will see a list of available wireless connections that surround you. This is the SSID.

SSID is a non-unique name. This is not the car body number, and it is quite possible that there are networks with the same name within a radius of one hundred meters. For example, neighbors installed Internet at home from one provider, and the technician identified Wi-Fi by the name of the equipment, as it was set in the settings at the factory. And then in a relatively small space there will be several local locations with the same SSID.

Good to know:

You can often find a network whose name contains the English word “FREE”. For example, “fon_free” or “MTS_FREE”. As a rule, this means that you can join such Wi-Fi without a password and gain access to the World Wide Web. It is not safe to turn on this Internet - it is possible that it is provided by attackers, replacing the Wi-Fi of well-known companies.

SSID selection question, its installation in the access point settings is very important for the stability and speed of the Internet distributed via wifi. As stated earlier, multiple networks with the same name can exist nearby. Four apartments on the floor are connected to the Internet and distribute it using D-Link routers. The technician who carried out the work left the default name. Now every apartment has Wi-Fi “Dir-320”.

A smartphone, laptop, or desktop computer will not offer the user to choose from three networks of the same name. The devices will try to connect to Wi-Fi with a stronger source signal. Its strength is influenced by many factors:

Distance from access point.
The presence of obstacles, including walls, mirrors, furniture, household appliances, etc.
Temporary factors such as a thunderstorm or a special vehicle passing near a powerful radio station.

And since the passwords are most likely different, the devices will not be able to connect. There will be no Internet in different parts of the apartment. How to properly configure access points to a Wi-Fi network in an apartment building, read other materials on our website. Here we only talk about SSID.

So, when setting the SSID, try to use unique names. For example, if your name is Sidorov Ivan Ivanovich, then identify by full name: “SII”. Look at the names of the networks around you on your device and you will realize that this is a very good choice. So tell the technician setting up your wi-fi the name you want, not him.

And also be correct. Do not use words or expressions that are offensive or insulting to the dignity of others in your SSID. Your choice must not contradict current legislation.

Network Security

The main security measure is a password. It consists of a minimum of 8 characters. Use complex but easy to remember passwords. For example, "lfq#vyt$dfqafq!" This is just the phrase “give#me$wifi!”, typed in Russian letters in an English layout. But if you try to type it from a smartphone without a standard keyboard or monitor in front of you, it will be difficult. Then use a set of numbers and Latin letters.

When it comes to name and security, follow three rules:

The name affects security indirectly, but remember, other people can see the SSID.

Broadcast SSID

In the access point settings there is an option to disable network name broadcasting. In other words, the router will distribute the Internet only to those who know that it is here. To connect to it, you will need to enter the SSID manually, rather than selecting from a list of available connections. From a security point of view, this has undoubted benefits:

There is no unhealthy interest in Wi-Fi
Many programs, such as Netstumbler, can show the location of the access point on a map. By turning off seed broadcasting, you will hide your router from prying eyes.

Choosing the right network name By using complex passwords, as well as correctly configuring the access point, you can avoid many risks when working with Wi-Fi.

Good to know:

The presence of the “Broadcast” function in a Wi-Fi router will allow you to create several independent wireless networks on one device.

The essence of the SSID is the personal number of the web network, in other words, its name. Actually, you know it if you use Wi-Fi devices.
This name is required in order to find the access point of your device from among other routers operating in the signal distribution area in a specific area.
With the advent of wireless technologies, as well as connection processes and parameters, numerous users are faced with determining the SSID of the network.
Not everyone knows what it actually is. But there are no difficulties in the meaning of this term; even a beginner will understand. Later in this article you will learn what the Wi-Fi network SSID number is, and also how it will be possible to determine this parameter and how to change it.

SSID networks: what is it?

Read also: [Instructions] How to set up a router: TP-Link, D-Link and other brands | 2019

If we look at the ease of use of technological processes, then the operation of the wireless web should be convenient.

For this purpose, the concept of the network SSID parameter was introduced. What is this? In a broader view, SSID is a unique network code that differs from others (name or name).

The SSID is created as a one-of-a-kind 32-digit alphanumeric cipher used to recognize a wireless local network.

It is designed to eliminate unexpected or intentional connection of another device to your network. In order for wireless devices to be able to communicate with each other, they need to remain configured to the same SSID.

This method makes it possible to automatically select third-party wireless devices and display their SSIDs.

This is done by adjusting the router settings. After entering the settings, enter your own in the line for the browser address.

And after it has been created in the wireless network settings, you will have the opportunity to make changes at your personal discretion.

In fact, the name of the SSID of anyone’s router can be found out by anyone with even a little understanding of the essence in the area of influence.

For this reason, when creating a new name, follow these tips:

Add not only numbers, but also Cyrillic or Latin alphabet;
Do not choose flashy words that attract unnecessary interest;
The login should not be filled with data such as last names, dates, various personal data;
Change the network name periodically.

View public networks

Network connection security

Read also: TOP 12 Best Wi-Fi adapters for a PC or laptop: USB, PCI, PCI-e | Rating 2019

A large number of users who have installed routers in their apartment understand that the access point must be secured from other users so that they do not have the opportunity to use your Internet.

You must select a password to establish a connection to the device.

When creating it in the router settings, it is recommended to use various combinations of numbers, Latin characters and capital letters.

It is recommended to select the WPA2PSK encoding type - it is more stable and will protect against unauthorized connections.

But you must understand that one password cannot provide complete security, since especially modern users have every chance of hacking it.

In addition to the password, it is important to choose the right login, since it can guarantee security no worse than a password if it is created correctly.

Typically, a router operates in a method similar to the previous one: its name is available to absolutely everyone who is currently in the network coverage area.

However, there is still a hidden system in which the name is not reflected in the list of publicly available connections.

This makes it possible to protect your own Internet network so that other devices will not know about it at all.

Thus, it works, but the network is not visible. This feature allows you to best secure your network from others.

3 In the top line, select “Add”.

4 Then open the menu for creating a connection manually.

5 Enter the SSID identifier, password and type of encoding - information that you needed to set before in the router settings.

6 Then, in the corresponding window, click “Close” - and now you will have a new connection in the list of networks.

If problems arise or something urgently needs to be changed or deleted, then this is possible.

If you are using a phone, connect and at the bottom of the list of active associations find the “Add” section, write down the information of the hidden access point.

It is also very important to know that if the network is hidden, it is impossible to ensure absolute security, since special applications that can detect such connections are prevented.

This kind of state of affairs does not in any way exclude the need to create a strong password, and it is best to check the access point in a comprehensive manner, using all readily available protection methods without exception.