Changing your wireless network ID is the first step you should take immediately after installing your provider's equipment. Standard names often contain complex characters, serial numbers, or model numbers, making it difficult to find the right access point in an apartment building. Furthermore, personalizing your name allows you to quickly identify your network among dozens of neighboring signals.
In this article, we'll detail the process of renaming a network for MGTS subscribers using GPON terminals and Huawei routers. You'll learn how to access the device's web interface, what settings to change in the settings menu, and how to avoid common errors that can lead to connection loss. The process doesn't require any special technical knowledge, but it does require careful data entry.
Changing your network name (SSID) isn't just a matter of aesthetics, but also a basic cybersecurity practice. Standard names like "Huawei_EFGH" immediately reveal your hardware model to potential attackers, making it easier to exploit vulnerabilities. A personalized name conceals this information and makes your network less attractive to random "neighbors" connecting.
Login to MGTS router settings
Before making any changes to the equipment configuration, you must log in to the device's web interface. To do this, make sure your device (laptop, smartphone, or tablet) is connected to the MGTS router. This can be done via a LAN cable or through your current wireless network, even if it has a default name.
Open any modern browser and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. For most MGTS terminals, including Huawei HG8245H and ONT models, the default address is 192.168.100.1In some cases, especially on older models or with specific configurations, the address may be 192.168.1.1The exact address is often indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device next to the username and password.
After entering the address, the system will request login credentials. MGTS providers often have standard superuser credentials, but they may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the equipment. The most common pair is: login admin and password adminIf this information doesn't match, check the sticker on the router body—it may contain unique credentials for your specific model.
⚠️ Important: If you previously changed your router password and forgot it, you will need to perform a hard reset. This will erase all user configurations, including your PPPoE login and internet password, so make sure you have your contract with your provider handy.
Web configurator interface: menu navigation
After successful authorization, you'll be taken to the main page of the control panel. The interface of MGTS routers, especially Huawei models, can seem cluttered due to the large number of tabs and options. However, for our purposes, we only need to find one specific section, which controls wireless settings.
At the top of the screen or in the side menu, find the tab WLAN or NetworkDepending on the firmware version, this section may be called "Wireless Network" or "Wi-Fi Settings." This is where all the radio-related settings are located: channel selection, bandwidth, encryption type, and, of course, the network name.
Inside the WLAN section you need to go to the subsection WLAN Basic Configuration or Basic Network SettingsThe main operating parameters of the wireless module are displayed here. Please note that modern MGTS routers often operate in two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Settings for each band can be configured separately or combined into a single network (Dual-Band function).
⚠️ Note: Firmware interfaces are regularly updated by the provider. The menu layout may differ slightly from that described. Look for the keywords "SSID," "Wireless," or "Network Name" in any settings menu.
Step-by-step instructions: changing the SSID
When you are in the basic WLAN settings section, you will see a field called SSID Name or SSIDThis field contains your network's current name. To change it, simply delete the old text and enter your desired name. The new name can contain Latin letters, numbers, and some special characters (hyphens, underscores).
After entering your new name, be sure to scroll down to the button Apply or SaveWithout clicking this button, all changes made will remain only in the browser buffer and will not be applied to the router configuration. After saving, the device may reboot the wireless module, which will take a few seconds.
You'll need to find the new network again in the list of available networks and enter the password to connect. If you don't remember your Wi-Fi password, you can also change it in the same menu section, usually in the field WPA PreSharedKey.
☑️ Network Name Change Checklist
Setting up dual-band networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
Modern MGTS equipment supports two frequency bands. The 2.4 GHz band provides greater coverage, but lower speeds and is susceptible to interference from microwave ovens and neighboring routers. The 5 GHz band offers high speed and stability, but has a shorter range and is less effective at penetrating walls.
In your router settings, you may see the option to separate these networks or combine them. If you decide to give them different names (for example, MyHome_24 And MyHome_5G), you can manually select which network a specific device connects to. This is useful for desktop PCs, where speed is important, and IoT devices (lamps, sockets), which only operate on 2.4 GHz.
The "Smart Connect" or "Band Steering" feature automatically switches devices between bands depending on signal quality and load. In this case, the network name remains the same for both bands. The decision to use separate names depends on the number of devices and the apartment layout.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 300-450 Mbps | Up to 1000+ Mbps |
| Range of action | High (up to 50 m) | Medium (up to 20-25 m) |
| Passing through walls | Good | Bad |
| Interference level | High | Short |
Safety and Name Recommendations
When choosing a new network name, be a little creative, but remember security. Don't use personal information like your apartment number, last name, phone number, or address as your SSID. This information is visible to anyone within range of your Wi-Fi and can be used for social engineering or targeted attacks.
It's considered good practice to use neutral names that don't identify the router model (to avoid making it easier to find exploits for a specific software version) and don't contain personal information. You can use names of characters, abstract words, or combinations of words that are easy to remember but difficult to guess.
It is also recommended to check the encryption type in this settings section. Make sure the standard is selected. WPA2-PSK or, if the equipment allows, WPA3Using outdated WEP encryption or an open network (Open) makes your data vulnerable to interception, even with a complex password.
Is it possible to use Cyrillic in the network name?
Technically, the Wi-Fi standard allows for the use of UTF-8, and many modern devices will display Russian letters correctly. However, older gadgets, printers, and smart devices may see the network name as a jumble of gibberish or not recognize the network at all. It is recommended to use only the Latin alphabet.
Common problems and their solutions
After changing settings, users sometimes encounter problems with their devices not seeing the new network or being unable to connect to it. This is most often due to the DNS cache or saved profiles on client devices. On a smartphone or laptop, find the old network in the list of saved networks, select "Forget Network," and reconnect using the password.
Another common issue is a stuck router interface. If the page doesn't refresh or the settings aren't saved after clicking "Apply," try physically rebooting the device (unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in). This will clear the RAM and apply the configuration.
If you changed the name, but it reverts back to the default after a while, this may indicate that your provider is using the TR-069 protocol for remote management. In this case, MGTS may forcefully revert to default settings. To resolve this issue, you may need to disable the relevant service in your personal account or contact technical support to restore your settings.
⚠️ Note: Changing WLAN settings does not affect your data plan speed. If your internet speed slows down after renaming, the problem is most likely due to channel congestion or a hardware issue, not the new network name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the network name through the MGTS app?
Currently, the provider's official mobile app offers limited functionality and is primarily used for payments and balance checks. Full WLAN configuration, including changing the SSID and password, is only available through the router's web interface using the IP address.
What happens if I enter the network name in Russian?
Modern smartphones and laptops will likely display the name correctly. However, home appliances, older gaming consoles, and some IoT devices may not support Cyrillic characters in their SSIDs. This will prevent them from seeing your network. It's best to use the Latin alphabet.
Do I need to change my password when I change my network name?
Technically, this isn't necessary, but it's highly recommended from a security standpoint. Changing your username disconnects all devices, making it the perfect time to set a new, more complex password, replacing the default one that may have been compromised.
Why did the Internet disappear on my TV after changing my name?
The TV is still trying to connect to the old network with the same name. You need to go to the network settings on the TV, find your new Wi-Fi name in the list, select it, and re-enter the password.