Changing the name of a wireless network is one of the most common tasks faced by subscribers. This action not only helps distinguish your signal from dozens of neighboring ones but also improves the overall clarity of your home internet configuration. The standard names assigned by providers when issuing equipment often contain technical codes or are unsightly, so changing the SSID becomes a priority for many users.
The renaming procedure is universal for most devices, but the web configurator interface may differ depending on the model. In this article, we'll cover the settings for popular routers. Sagemcom, Huawei And ZTE, which are installed en masse by the provider. You'll learn how to access the admin panel, where to find the required fields, and what restrictions apply when choosing a name.
To perform this operation, you'll need a device with internet access: a computer connected via cable or a smartphone connected via WiFi. It's important to have a stable connection to the router, otherwise the connection may be lost while making changes. Before starting work Make sure you know your admin panel password if it has been changed previously.
Preparing to change router settings
Before making any changes to the equipment configuration, it is necessary to establish a reliable connection to the control device. The ideal option is to use wired connection Using a LAN cable is recommended, as this eliminates the risk of losing connection while saving settings. If this isn't possible, make sure your smartphone or laptop is connected to the current wireless network, even if it has a default name.
You'll also need to know the gateway IP address. By default, Rostelecom equipment most often uses 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. This information is usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the router, along with the login and password. If you've changed this information before and forgot it, you may need to do the following: reset settings to factory settings, which will return the standard network name.
⚠️ Attention: If you change the network name while connected wirelessly, your device will immediately lose connection to the router after saving the settings. You'll have to search for the network with the new name in the list of available Wi-Fi networks again and enter the password.
Make sure your browser is open on your device. For proper display of interface elements, it's best to use modern versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Opera. Older browser versions may not display admin panel scripts correctly, making menu navigation difficult.
Login to the router control panel
Open any internet browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. Typically, this is 192.168.1.1Press Enter. If the address is entered correctly, the system will request authorization. In the window that opens, you must enter your username and password. For most Rostelecom devices, the standard pair is admin / admin or admin / unique code from the sticker.
After successful authorization, you'll be taken to the main page of the web interface. Here you can see your connection status, internet speed, and network information. The interface can be classic or modern, but the menu structure is usually the same. We're interested in the section responsible for wireless networks, often called WLAN, Wireless or "Home Network".
Some router models, especially those with updated firmware, may require a secure HTTPS connection. If your browser displays a certificate security warning, this is normal for a local address, and you should allow access to the page. Ignoring this step will prevent you from loading the control panel.
☑️ Check before entry
Find the Wireless Network (WLAN) section
Router interfaces can vary significantly, but the logic behind the settings layout is the same. You need to find the tab responsible for the radio module. In the navigation menu, look for the following items: Network, WLAN, Wireless or their Russian-language equivalents. Within this section there is usually a subsection WLAN Basic or Basic settings.
This displays your current network settings. The main field we're interested in is called SSID (Service Set Identifier). This field contains the current network name, visible to surrounding devices. Some router models may have settings for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies separated into different tabs or pages, so check the settings for both bands if your router is dual-band.
Often next to the network name field there is a checkbox that says "Turn on wireless network" or Enable WLANMake sure it's enabled. If you accidentally uncheck this box, WiFi will stop broadcasting and devices won't be able to connect until you change the setting back to cable.
The table below shows examples of settings paths for different hardware models:
| Router model | Path to the menu | Field name |
|---|---|---|
| Sagemcom F@st 2804 | Advanced Setup > Wireless > Basic | SSID |
| Huawei HG8245H | WLAN > 2.4G Basic Network Settings | SSID Name |
| ZTE F660 | Network > WLAN > Basic | SSID Name |
| Eltex NTU-RG-1401G | Wi-Fi > Basic Settings | Network name (SSID) |
What if the menu is in English?
If the router interface is entirely in English, look for the "Wireless" or "WLAN" section. Inside, look for the "Basic" or "General" tab. The name field is always called the SSID. Be careful with other settings if you don't know their purpose.
Network (SSID) renaming process
Having found the field SSID, delete the current value. Standard names often contain the provider abbreviation and device model, for example, RT-WF_2804_XXXXCreate a new, unique name. It can contain Latin letters, numbers, and some special characters. Using Cyrillic (Russian letters) is technically possible in some firmware versions, but not recommended, as older devices may display the name as a set of gibberish.
After entering the new name, scroll down to the button Apply, Save or "Save." Click it. The system may warn you that changing the settings will reboot the wireless module. Confirm the action. At this point, the router will apply the changes, and the old network will disappear from the list of available networks.
However, if you decide to change your password at the same time (which is a good security practice), do so in the adjacent field, often called WPA Pre-Shared Key or "Encryption Key". Don't use simple combinations like 12345678.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid using special characters such as quotation marks, apostrophes, or currency symbols in your network name. Some smart devices (such as lamps and sockets) may misread such names and refuse to connect.
Setting up dual-band routers (2.4 and 5 GHz)
Modern Rostelecom equipment often supports two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. In the settings, this may appear as two separate networks or one combined one. If you want to separate them, you need to find the settings for each band separately. These are usually located in adjacent menu tabs. WLAN.
For the 5 GHz band, you can specify a name with a prefix _5G at the end to clearly differentiate between networks on smartphones and laptops. This will give you the choice of connecting to the faster, but shorter-range 5 GHz network, or the more stable, longer-range 2.4 GHz network. Make sure you save the settings for both ranges, if you want them to work in parallel.
There is a function Band Steering, which combines both bands under a single SSID. The router automatically decides which one the client connects to. If you want to forcefully separate the networks, you need to disable this feature in the wireless settings.
Changing the name in one band doesn't change it in the other. You'll need to rename it twice: first for 2.4 GHz, then switch to the 5 GHz tab and repeat the process there.
What to do if settings are not saved
Sometimes users encounter a situation where, after clicking the "Save" button, the page simply reloads, but the network name remains the same. This can be caused by several reasons. The first is lack of access rightsMake sure you are logged in as an administrator and not as a limited user.
The second reason is the browser cache. Try opening the control panel in Incognito mode or clearing the cache. The third, and most common, reason for Rostelecom equipment is a restriction from the provider. With some tariff plans or when using certain terminal models (ONT), WiFi setup is performed not through the router's web interface, but through personal account or a special application.
If the web interface prevents you from saving your changes, try refreshing the page and check if the error message appears in red. It's also worth checking if your computer has an antivirus or firewall blocking changes to local network settings.
Alternative control methods via the app
Rostelecom is actively promoting the use of a mobile application Rostelecom WiFi or House with a Cloud (Depending on the region and hardware model). This is often an easier way to change the network name than messing around with the browser. Download the official app from the App Store or Google Play and log in using your account credentials.
The app's interface is as simple as possible. The main screen typically displays the network status. Tapping the WiFi settings will reveal the "Network Name" field. Change it and tap the save button. The app will automatically send the command to the router. This method is beneficial because it eliminates IP address errors and browser issues.
However, the app's functionality may be limited. If you need advanced settings, such as MAC address filtering or setting up a guest network with a separate schedule, the web interface remains a more powerful tool.
⚠️ Attention: Application and web panel interfaces are subject to change. Button placement and menu item names may be modified by hardware developers. If you don't find an exact match, search for similar sections.
Keep in mind that after changing the network name through the app, all your home devices (TVs, phones, tablets) will "lose" the network. You'll have to go to each one and reconnect, entering the password. This is an unavoidable process when changing the SSID.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use Russian letters in the network name?
Technically, the WiFi standard allows for the use of UTF-8, and modern routers support it. However, many older devices, game consoles, and smart home gadgets may display Cyrillic characters incorrectly or not detect the network at all. It's best to stick with Latin characters.
Will the WiFi password change after renaming?
No, renaming the network (SSID) does not affect the security key (password). It will remain the same unless you specifically change it in the corresponding encryption settings field.
I changed the name, but my phone still sees the old network. Why?
Your phone may have remembered the old network and is trying to connect to it, or you may have only changed the settings for one band (e.g., 5 GHz) while your phone is connected to 2.4 GHz. Try "Forget Network" in your phone's WiFi settings and find a new one.
How do I get everything back if I'm confused about the settings?
There is a button on the router body. ResetIf you hold it down for 10-15 seconds while the router is powered on, it will reset to factory settings. The network name and password will return to those listed on the sticker on the bottom of the device.
Does the length of a network name affect internet speed?
No, the SSID length (up to 32 characters) does not affect data transfer speed. However, an excessively long name can take up more space in service frames, which theoretically creates a microscopic load in a crowded airwaves, but in practice, this is unnoticeable to the user.