Changing your wireless network name is the first thing that comes to mind when you receive a new router from your provider. A standard name, consisting of an incomprehensible jumble of letters and numbers, often confuses guests and makes it difficult to quickly find the desired connection in the list of available networks on your smartphone.
The renaming process is technically simple, but requires careful input of parameters, as changing the name (SSID) will cause all your devices to lose connection and require reconnection to the new access point. In this guide, we'll cover all the details of changing settings on routers issued by Rostelecom.
Before making any changes, make sure you're connected to your router either via cable or your current WiFi network to avoid losing access to your control panel during the setup process.
Why change the default network name and what are the risks?
The factory settings of routers provided by your ISP often contain technical information in the network name, such as the device model or its MAC address. A name such as Sagemcom_2A4B, doesn't tell the user anything and looks unsightly. Renaming the network, for example, to Home_WiFi or Kvartira_5, you simplify the identification of your access point in an apartment building, where you may receive dozens of neighboring signals.
Besides aesthetics, changing the name allows you to implement basic security rules. If you use a guest network, it makes sense to name it Guest_Networkso that friends don't get confused. However,
⚠️ Note: After changing the network name (SSID), all previously connected devices (smartphones, laptops, smart bulbs) will no longer see the router. You will have to re-enter the password on each device to reconnect.
There's a common myth that hiding the network name or using special characters makes the network invulnerable. In fact, a skilled attacker can see even a hidden SSID, and some older devices may incorrectly display names with exotic characters, leading to connection issues.
Preparing for setup: accessing the admin panel
To make changes to your wireless network configuration, you need to access your router's web interface. This can be done from any device connected to the router. Open any browser (Chrome, Safari, Opera) and enter your gateway's IP address in the address bar. For Rostelecom equipment, this is most often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
If the address doesn't work, check the sticker on the bottom of the router—it always contains the exact IP address, as well as the factory login and password for logging in. The default credentials often look like this: admin/admin or admin/1234, but on newer models the password may be unique for each device.
After entering the correct information, you'll be taken to the main control panel page. The interface may vary depending on the model (Sagemcom, Eltex, Sercomm), but the menu logic remains the same. Find the section responsible for wireless connections.
Step-by-step instructions for Sagemcom routers
Sagemcom routers are among the most popular in the operator's network. To change the network name on these devices, go to the menu Advanced Setup (Advanced settings) and select the tab WLANHere you will see a list of parameters where you need to find the field SSID Name.
Enter the desired name using Latin characters. Avoid using Cyrillic characters, as some older devices may display Russian letters as gibberish. After entering the name, don't forget to press the button. Save/Apply to save changes.
- 📡 Find the section
WLAN Basicin the side menu. - 📝 In the field SSID Name Enter a new name.
- 🔒 Make sure the box is checked
Enable WLAN. - 💾 Click
Apply/Saveat the bottom of the page.
It's important to note that on Sagemcom dual-band routers, the settings for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies may be in different subsections or combined using the Smart Connect feature. If you want to separate the networks, disable the combining feature and create unique names for each band, adding, for example, a prefix. _5G.
⚠️ Please note: The router interface may be updated remotely by your provider. If you don't see the options described, check the current menu structure in the help section of your personal account or on the official technical support portal.
☑️ Check before saving
Setting up a wireless network on Eltex devices
Eltex equipment is often found in new tariff plans and features a more modern, but sometimes less intuitive, interface. To change the network name, go to Wi-Fi in the top menu, then select Basic (or General).
Here you will need to find the parameter SSIDThis is the field where you enter the new name. Eltex offers the ability to fine-tune the WiFi and guest network schedules directly in this window, which is convenient for traffic optimization.
After changing the SSID field, the system may prompt you to reboot the wireless module. Accept this action for the changes to take effect immediately. The process will take no more than 30 seconds.
What to do if the interface does not open?
If the settings page doesn't load, try clearing your browser's cache or opening the menu in incognito mode. Also, make sure your computer doesn't have a static IP address that conflicts with your router.
Please note that after renaming a network on Eltex, as with other models, old connection profiles on phones may interfere with automatic connection. We recommend deleting the old network in your smartphone's WiFi settings and reconnecting.
Dual-band networks: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
Modern Rostelecom routers support two frequency bands. The 2.4 GHz band provides greater coverage, but lower speeds and higher noise levels. The 5 GHz band offers higher speeds but has poorer wall penetration.
When setting up a network name, you may be faced with the choice of giving both bands the same name (Band Steering technology) or different names. If you name both networks the same, the router will automatically decide which one to connect to. This is convenient, but sometimes it causes your phone to hang on the slow 2.4 GHz band, even when close to the router.
It is recommended to give networks different names, for example, MyHome And MyHome_5GThis will allow you to manually select a fast network for watching 4K video and leave the slower one for smart plugs and light bulbs that don't support 5 GHz.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 450 Mbps | Up to 1300 Mbps and higher |
| Penetration ability | High (through 2-3 walls) | Low (1-2 walls) |
| Workload | High (many neighbors) | Low |
| For which devices | Smart home, IoT, old phones | TVs, consoles, laptops, new smartphones |
Properly separating network names helps manage airtime load. If you have a lot of devices, separating names is a simple way to manually optimize without purchasing additional equipment.
Security Issues: Passwords and Encryption
When changing the network name, it's a bad idea to leave the old or default password. In the WiFi settings section, usually next to the SSID field, there's a block Security or Security. Here you select the encryption type.
Always choose the standard WPA2-PSK or WPA3, if your devices support it. The outdated WEP encryption method can be cracked in minutes, and WPA/TKIP no longer provides adequate security. The password should be complex and contain mixed-case letters and numbers.
Don't use personal information, such as your date of birth or phone number, in your password. It's best to generate a random combination of characters and save it in a password manager or write it down on paper and keep it in a safe place.
Common problems and their solutions
Sometimes, after changing the name, the network disappears from the list of available networks on some devices. This could be due to DNS caching or a WiFi adapter driver error. Try rebooting the router by unplugging it for 10 seconds.
If the device sees the network but won't connect, check if MAC address filtering is enabled. In rare cases, changing the name can reset the filtering settings, causing the router to block all new connections, considering them foreign.
It's also worth checking if there's a limit on the number of connected clients. If the limit is reached, new devices (or old ones under a new name) will not be able to log in.
What to do if you forgot the new network name?
If you've renamed your network and forgot its new name, the easiest way is to look at the list of connected devices in the "My Rostelecom" app or on the router sticker if you didn't change the default name but only added a prefix. In extreme cases, pressing the Reset button will help.
Is it possible to use Russian letters in the name?
Technically, the WiFi standard allows for the use of UTF-8, but many device manufacturers (especially game consoles and smart devices) cannot correctly display Cyrillic characters. This can result in the device simply not detecting the network. It's better to use Latin characters.
Does name length affect internet speed?
No, the SSID length (up to 32 characters) does not affect channel throughput. However, overly long and complex names are difficult to enter manually using a TV remote or console.
Do I need to reconfigure my router after changing my provider?
If you change providers but keep your router, you'll need to completely reconfigure it, including the connection type (PPPoE, L2TP, IPoE) and VLAN ID, if required. Changing the network name is a secondary procedure.