When setting up their home internet for the first time, users often face the question of how to find the correct wireless network name for the connection. Rostelecom's default WiFi network name is usually based on the device model or its unique identifier, which can be confusing for inexperienced users. Understanding the logic behind SSID naming helps you quickly identify your router among dozens of neighboring signals in an apartment building.
In most cases, the provider does not impose a single name for all devices, since the equipment is supplied by different vendors. The network name, or SSID, is assigned by the manufacturer at the factory and indicated on a special sticker located on the bottom of the router. This information is the key to initial access to the local network before making any user changes.
If you just received the equipment or reset it to factory settings, you need to look for the combination of letters and numbers indicated in the column SSID or Wireless Network NameIn this article, we'll take a detailed look at the default names for various router models supported by your operator, and how to safely change them to something more convenient for you.
Standard network names for different router models
The logic for assigning names to wireless modules depends on the equipment manufacturer. The company Rostelecom uses devices from brands such as Eltex, Sercomm, Huawei, ZTE And TP-LinkEach of them has its own default SSID generation template, which often contains the brand abbreviation or device model.
For example, devices of the brand Eltex often have a name beginning with a prefix ELTEX_, followed by a set of characters. Routers Sercomm can be called Sercomm_XXXX or contain the word in the title RT. For equipment Huawei characteristic names of the species Huawei-XXXX or WiFi_XXXXKnowing these patterns allows you to immediately eliminate unnecessary networks from the list of available connections on your smartphone or laptop.
It is important to understand that SSID — This is not a password, but a public name that is visible to everyone. The password is hidden and is only required at the time of connection. If you see a network named Rostelecom or RT-WiFiThis could be your device or a neighbor's if someone has manually assigned this name. Therefore, when setting it up for the first time, always check the sticker on the bottom of the router.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and factory settings may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the device and the specific firmware version. We recommend checking the information on the label on your device, as the manufacturer reserves the right to change naming patterns without prior notice.
Below is a table showing examples of standard network names for popular models commonly found among carrier subscribers. This will help you navigate if the label on your device is worn off or difficult to read.
| Manufacturer | Example SSID (Network Name) | Where to look for the exact value |
|---|---|---|
| Eltex | ELTEX_NTP-2X | Sticker on the bottom (SSID) |
| Sercomm | Sercomm_XXXX | Sticker on the back panel |
| Huawei | Huawei-XXXX_2.4G | Label under the device |
| ZTE | ZTE_XXXXXX | Lower part of the body |
| TP-Link | TP-LINK_XXXX | Factory sticker |
Where to find the exact name of your WiFi network
The most reliable way to find out your network's name is to physically inspect the equipment. Turn the router over and look for the information sticker. It's usually white or silver and contains barcodes, a serial number (S/N), MAC address, and access details. The field you're interested in is SSID or Wireless Name.
If the sticker is unreadable, you can use a cable connection. Connect your computer to the router via the LAN port using an Ethernet cable. Then, open any browser and enter the gateway IP address, which is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1The exact address is also indicated on the sticker.
After logging into the web interface (you will need a login and password, often this is admin/admin or data from the sticker) go to the wireless network section. In the menu WLAN or Wireless -> Basic You will see the current network name in the field SSID NameHere you can change it to anything else that is easy to remember.
You can also find out the network name through a connected device. On a Windows computer, open a command prompt and enter the command
netsh wlan show interfacesInstructions for changing the network name (SSID)
Changing the default network name isn't just a matter of aesthetics, but also a basic security feature. A unique name will make it more difficult for attackers to identify your router model and exploit vendor-specific vulnerabilities. The process is simple and takes just a couple of minutes.
To get started, you need to log in to your router's personal account. Enter the IP address in your browser and log in using the administrator account. Find the section responsible for your wireless network. It may be called WLAN, Wireless, WiFi or Wireless network.
☑️ Network Name Change Plan
In the field SSID Delete the old value and enter a new one. It is recommended to use Latin letters and numbers, avoiding special characters, as some older devices may display Cyrillic characters or punctuation marks incorrectly. After entering the new name, be sure to press the button. Save or Apply.
After saving the settings, the router will restart the wireless module. All connected devices will lose connection to the network, as the old name will disappear from the air. You will need to re-find the new network using the specified name and enter the password to connect.
⚠️ Note: When you change the network name, all your devices (smartphones, tablets, TVs, smart plugs) will not automatically switch to the new name. You will need to manually search for networks on each device and reconnect using the password.
Setting up dual-band networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
Modern Rostelecom routers, such as Eltex NTU or Sercomm, support operation in two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. By default, many models create two separate networks with similar names, for example, MyWiFi And MyWiFi_5G.
Range 2.4 GHz has a longer range and penetrates walls better, but has a lower speed and is noisier in apartment buildings. Range 5 GHz It provides high data transfer speed and stability, but its range is shorter and it penetrates obstacles worse.
In the router settings, you can combine these two networks into one with the function Band Steering (smart switching). In this case, the router will automatically decide which frequency to connect the device to, based on distance and standard support. However, for stable operation of smart home devices and older gadgets, it is often recommended to separate networks and give them clear names, for example, Home_24 And Home_5G.
What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz?
The 2.4 GHz band supports up to 11 channels, of which only 3 (1, 6, 11) do not overlap. This leads to interference from neighboring routers and Bluetooth devices. The 5 GHz band has many more channels and is less susceptible to interference, providing speeds of up to 1 Gbps and beyond, but requires support for the 802.11ac/ax standard on the client device.
If you decide to keep separate networks, make sure you set strong passwords for both. Users often change the name of the main network, forgetting about the guest or 5 GHz network, leaving them with their default names, which weakens overall perimeter security.
Network visibility issues and solutions
Sometimes users can't find their network in the list of available networks, even knowing its exact name. This can be caused by several reasons. The first and most common is hiding the SSID. There's an option in the security settings to do this. Hide SSID or Disable BroadcastIf it is activated, the network is not displayed in the general list, and to connect, you must manually enter the name and encryption type.
The second cause is a faulty wireless module or a software glitch in the router. If the WiFi indicator on the device is off or blinking abnormally, try rebooting the device by disconnecting the power for 10 seconds. It's also worth checking whether the WiFi module has been disabled programmatically via the web interface.
The third reason is strong interference or a physical obstruction. If the router is located in a niche, behind a mirror, or a metal cabinet, the signal may be too weak to detect from a distance. In such cases, relocating the equipment or using repeaters to expand the coverage area can help.
Safety: Why is it important to change the factory name?
Leaving the factory network name (for example, RT-WiFi or TP-LINK_1234) gives potential attackers two advantages. First, the router's manufacturer can be easily identified by the prefix. Knowing the vendor, a hacker can check for known vulnerabilities in the firmware of that specific model.
Secondly, standard usernames are often associated with users who haven't changed their default passwords. Such networks become easy prey for automated scanners that attempt to brute-force access using factory password databases. A unique username that doesn't contain personal information (addresses, last names) creates an additional layer of uncertainty for an attacker.
Additionally, renaming your network will prevent confusion with your neighbors. In densely populated areas, there may be dozens of routers with the same name. Linksys or NetgearYour device may attempt to automatically connect to a neighboring router with the same name if the passwords are the same or saved, resulting in loss of internet access or, worse, data transfer via a different channel.
Is it possible to use Russian letters in the network name?
Technically, the WiFi standard (IEEE 802.11) supports UTF-8 encoding, which allows the use of Cyrillic characters. However, many older devices, printers, security cameras, and smart home gadgets may display Russian characters incorrectly or not recognize a network with this name at all. It is recommended to use the Latin alphabet for maximum compatibility.
What should I do if I forgot my WiFi password after changing my name?
If you've changed your username and password but forgot the new details, your only option is to reset your router to factory settings. Find the hole on the router's case. Reset, press it with a paperclip for 10-15 seconds until the lights flash. After this, the device will revert to the factory name and password indicated on the sticker.
Does the length of a network name affect internet speed?
The length of the SSID has virtually no effect on data transfer speed. The protocol embeds the network name in control frames, which make up a negligible portion of the traffic. However, an excessively long name may not be fully displayed on some smartphones or TVs, being cut off by ellipses.