Should You Change the (SSID) Name of a WiFi Router?

A few technical details come along with what seem as simple terms. All wireless routers establish a network using a name known as Service Set Identifier. Normally, all routers are preconfigured with a default SSID by the manufacturer and all routers have the same SSID, so if you’re wondering if you should change the name of your wireless router or not, then the answer is yes. You most definitely should. A few examples of default SSID names are; Linksys, NetGear, Default, or whichever model the router is. If your neighbor or someone in the vicinity has the same SSID or router, it could cause a hassle which is why it’s considered not only more secure to change your default SSID but also has its perks. If the nearby networks with the same SSID don’t have security, then clients could easily connect to the wrong network. Plus, someone having the same name as your router can be pretty annoying.

You’ll need to start by finding your router’s current SSID. To do this, you will need to log in to the configuration or administration page of your router using the default IP. Most models have a default IP so it won’t take long to search it up. Other than that, you can enter “ipconfig” in CMD and the numbers next the Default Gateway will be your router’s default IP. After which, enter the login details which too by default are admin/password. Once you’ve logged in, go to Wireless Settings or Security settings. The option may vary from model to model.  But under the Wireless tab, you’ll be able to see your router’s current SSID. For a new SSID, type whatever you’ve chosen in the field next to Wireless Network Name. The SSID can be changed anytime from the configuration page and has no effect whatsoever on the operations of the WiFi. Once the SSID has been changed, all devices will disconnect and will have to be reconnected to the new SSID.

An SSID is case sensitive and can contain up to 32 alphanumeric characters. A few things to keep in mind when you’re changing your SSID;

• Avoid using personal details as part of the SSID for example birth date, name, number, etc. Keep in mind that an SSID is public and anyone in the vicinity will see it come up in their WiFi networks so you don’t want to give away too much information.
• Don’t use any passwords as the SSID because that will make your network more perceptible to outside unwanted users.
• Try to come up with an SSID that has both numbers and letters. If you come up with something witty, it might be a red flag for intruders to try and mess with your network so try to keep it simple.
• Change your SSID periodically, at least once every few months. And once you’ve changed it, make sure to write it down somewhere just in case.