Changing the default wireless network name is often the first task for new ISP subscribers. Factory identifiers like "MTS_2.4G_5A3B" look unsightly and reveal your equipment model to strangers scanning the airwaves. A personalized SSID (Service Set Identifier) not only makes it easier to find your network in the list of available connections but also serves as a basic digital hygiene measure.
The renaming process does not require deep technical knowledge, but it is critical for security. Standard name This often contains clues about the router manufacturer, which can help an attacker quickly identify vulnerabilities specific to a particular device model. By changing this setting, you hide some technical information about your infrastructure.
In this article, we'll detail the steps for MGTS subscribers using various terminal models. Regardless of which device you have installed at home, Huawei, ZTE or Eltex, the principle of accessing the settings remains similar, although the web configurator interface may visually differ.
Preparing to change router settings
Before making any changes to the hardware configuration, you must ensure a stable connection to the router itself. It is best to perform the configuration by connecting to the device via cable connection (Ethernet) to avoid connection interruptions when applying the new settings. If this isn't possible, use Wi-Fi, but be prepared for the connection to be automatically disconnected after changing the network name.
You will need to know the IP address of the default gateway. In most cases, for MGTS equipment, this address is 192.168.100.1 or 192.168.1.1Also, make sure you have the username and password to access the control panel. This information is often located on a sticker on the bottom of the device, but if you've changed it previously, use the current credentials.
☑️ Ready to customize
⚠️ Note: If you change the network name while connected to Wi-Fi, the connection will be lost immediately after saving the settings. You'll need to find the network with the new name again in the list of available networks and enter the password.
Login to the equipment control panel
Open any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Opera) and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Don't use the search field on the start page; the address bar is required for navigating by IP. After entering the address 192.168.100.1 Press Enter. The system will ask for authorization.
For MGTS equipment, the standard login is often admin, and the password can be indicated on the sticker or also be adminIn new terminal models such as Huawei HG8245Q2 or ZTE F660, the password can be unique for each device and located on the "User Password" sticker.
After successfully logging in, you'll be taken to the main status panel page. This displays information about the optics status, device temperature, and connected clients. We're interested in the section responsible for the wireless network. It may be called "WLAN," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless," or "Network." The interfaces may differ between firmware versions, but the logic remains the same.
What to do if the password does not work?
If the default password doesn't work and you haven't changed it, the settings may have been changed by the setup wizard. In this case, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings using the recessed button on the device's body. Afterward, the device will return to the settings on the sticker.
Instructions for Huawei routers (HG8245, HG8145)
Equipment Huawei is one of the most common devices on the MGTS network. The interface of these devices is quite user-friendly. After logging in, go to the tab in the top menu. WLAN. On the left side of the screen, open the subsection WLAN Basic Configuration (Basic configuration).
Here you will see a field SSID NameThis is where you enter your desired network name. Please note that case is important: "MyWiFi" and "mywifi" are two different networks for devices. You can also select the operating standards (802.11 b/g/n/ac) in this section, but unless absolutely necessary, it's best to leave the default settings.
Don't forget to go to the tab WLAN Security Configuration (Security Configuration) to check or change the password. The encryption type must be set to WPA2-PSK or WPA/WPA2-PSKThis will ensure maximum protection against unauthorized access. After making changes, click the button Apply or Save.
Setting up Wi-Fi on ZTE and Eltex terminals
Devices ZTE (for example, the F660 and F670 models) have an interface that is often blue and white. To change the network name, go to the menu Network -> WLAN -> BasicIn the field SSID Name Enter a new name. The option to enable the Guest Network is often available here, and can also be renamed separately.
Routers Eltex (NTU-2, ONU-1X) have a more streamlined, corporate interface. The settings path typically looks like this: Service -> WLAN -> Global or Interface configuration. Find the line SSID and edit its contents. It's important to remember to save the configuration by clicking the button Save Config, since in Eltex changes are sometimes applied only after a reboot or an explicit save of the profile.
In both cases, make sure the checkbox is checked. Enable WLAN (Enable wireless network) is active. Sometimes, when editing settings, this setting may reset, and the network will stop broadcasting.
📊 What kind of router do you have at home?HuaweiZTEEltexSagemcomI don't know / Other
The difference between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
Modern dual-band MGTS routers broadcast two networks: one in the 2.4 GHz frequency range and the other in the 5 GHz range. When renaming, you can give them the same name (using the Smart Connect feature) or different ones. If you want to manually manage device connections, it's best to use different names, adding the prefix "_5G" to the second network.
The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range and penetrates walls better, but it's often congested with neighboring networks and household appliances. Speeds are lower here. The 5 GHz band offers high data transfer rates and is less noisy, but has a shorter range. Separation of names Allows you to connect your smartphones to the fast 5 GHz network and smart plugs and vacuum cleaners to the long-range 2.4 GHz network.
The table below provides a comparison of characteristics for deciding on a naming strategy:
Characteristic
2.4 GHz
5 GHz
Range of action
High (up to 40-50 m)
Medium (up to 20-30 m)
Penetration ability
Good
Bad (walls block the signal)
Maximum speed
Up to 150-300 Mbps
Up to 800+ Mbps
Airtime congestion
High (a lot of interference)
Low
Device support
All devices
Only modern gadgets
Security issues and hiding SSIDs
When changing a network name, many users consider hiding it. The "Hide SSID" or "Hide Access Point" feature makes the network invisible to standard scanning. However, this is not a reliable security method. Specialized software easily detects hidden networks by the service packets that devices send out over the air in search of familiar connections.
Moreover, hiding the SSID often creates problems connecting new gadgets. Smartphones and laptops have to constantly "shout" into the air: "Is the 'MyHome' network here?", which not only reduces the device's battery life but also makes it more vulnerable to attacks. It's safer to use complex password and WPA2/WPA3 encryption rather than relying on name invisibility.
If you decide to hide your network, remember that you'll have to manually enter the name (SSID) on each new device to connect, as the automatic search won't find anything. This creates inconvenience for guests and may result in unnecessary calls to technical support.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and firmware are constantly being updated. Menu locations may differ slightly from those described. If you don't find an exact match, look for similar sections (Wireless, Network, WLAN).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use Russian letters in a Wi-Fi name?
Technically, many routers allow you to enter Cyrillic characters, but this is not recommended. Older devices, game consoles, and smart home gadgets may display Russian characters incorrectly (turning them into gibberish) or may not detect the network at all. Use the Latin alphabet.
What should I do if the Internet is lost after renaming?
Most likely, your internet connection isn't lost, but your device (laptop, phone) can't automatically connect to the network with the new name. Go to your device's Wi-Fi settings, select "Forget network" for the old name, find the new network with the new name, and re-enter the password.
Do I need to reboot my router after changing the name?
In most cases, changes are applied immediately. However, if you notice instability or devices are unable to see the network, we recommend rebooting the router via the web interface or the power button to ensure the system applies the configuration correctly.
How to reset the network name to factory default?
To do this, go back to the router settings and enter the SSID value found on the sticker on the bottom of the device in the SSID field. If you don't remember the factory name, a full factory reset will help, but this will also erase all your other settings, including your PPPoE login and password, unless they are automatically retrieved from your ISP.