Changing the default wireless network name isn't just a matter of aesthetics; it's an important step in personalizing your home's digital space. Seeing "Mgts_WiFi_2839" in the list of available connections among dozens of neighboring networks isn't particularly user-friendly. Moreover, default names often reveal the model of the equipment or provider used, which can be useful for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the process of renaming an access point on MGTS routers. You'll learn how to differentiate frequency bands, understand why it's important to separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, and get answers to security questions. The process takes only a few minutes, but requires attention to ensure you don't lose access to the admin panel or the internet during the process.
Why change the default WiFi network name?
Standard names assigned by the ISP at the factory often contain technical information that shouldn't be made public. For example, the name "Mgts_Sercomm_xxx" or "Huawei_xxxx" contains information about the equipment manufacturer. Attackers They can use this data to search for specific vulnerabilities in a particular router model. By hiding the device model, you increase the overall security level of your home network perimeter.
Furthermore, in high-density apartment buildings, the airwaves are cluttered with dozens of signals. A unique name will help you and your guests quickly find the right network without getting confused by the list of "WiFi," "Home," and "Free." This is especially important if you use Mesh system or multiple routers where it is important to clearly identify each node.
The psychological aspect also plays a role. It's more pleasant to connect to a network with a clear name, such as "Ivan_Home_WiFi," than to a faceless set of characters. This creates a sense of control over your digital environment.
Preparing to set up an MGTS router
Before making any changes to the hardware configuration, you must ensure a stable connection. It is best to perform the configuration via Ethernet cableBy connecting your computer directly to the router's LAN port. If this isn't possible, make sure your device (smartphone or laptop) is connected to the current MGTS WiFi network and within range.
You'll need access to the router's web interface. The login address is usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the device. For MGTS equipment, this is often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, as well as a domain name of the form mgts.ruThe default login and password are also on the label unless you have changed them previously.
It's recommended to prepare a new network name in advance. It should be unique within your network's reach, but not contain personal information such as your apartment number, last name, or exact address. This will prevent social engineering and make your network less attractive to "neighborhood parasites."
Login to the router control panel
The authorization process is the first critical step. Open any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. Press Enter. If the page doesn't load, check your TCP/IP settings: the address acquisition mode should be set to automatically (DHCP).
The system will ask for credentials. Enter your login and password. For routers Sercomm, Huawei or Eltex, which are frequently used by MGTS, this data is standard. After successfully logging in, you will see the main status page, which displays the current connection status and device model.
⚠️ Attention: If you've changed your settings password before and have forgotten it, you'll need to perform a full reset of the router to factory settings (press the Reset button). This will erase all your settings, including your PPPoE login and password from your ISP, which you'll need to re-enter.
The interface may vary depending on the model. On older devices, it may look more utilitarian, while on newer ones, it may feature a graphical interface with icons. Navigation is usually intuitive, but key sections are often hidden in the "Settings" or "System Tools" menu.
Find the wireless settings section
After authorization, you need to find the desired menu section. Depending on the firmware, the item you are looking for may be called Wireless, WLAN, WiFi or Wireless networkThis section is often located in a separate side menu or in the top navigation bar.
Inside the section, look for a subsection with the name Basic Settings (Basic settings) or SSID SettingsThis is where the field is located. SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the visible name of your network. Modern MGTS routers often operate in two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
It's important to understand the difference between these bands. The 2.4 GHz band provides greater coverage but lower speeds. The 5 GHz band offers higher speeds but is less effective at penetrating walls. MGTS routers often group these bands under a single name (Band Steering technology) by default, but for fine-tuning, it's better to separate them.
Changing the network name (SSID) and settings
Find the field SSID Name or Network NameEnter the desired name there. Use Latin letters, numbers, and some special characters. Cyrillic characters may not display correctly on some devices (printers, older smartphones), so it's best to limit yourself to the English alphabet.
If you have a dual-band router, you'll see two input fields: one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz. You can name them the same (for automatic switching) or add "_5G" to the second name to manually select the fast network. For example: MyHome_WiFi And MyHome_WiFi_5G.
After entering your new name, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page. There should be a button there. Apply, Save or SaveWithout clicking this button, the changes will only remain in the browser buffer and will not be applied to the router. After saving, the device may reboot.
☑️ Checklist before saving
Setting up security and encryption
While you're in the WiFi settings, it's a shame not to check the security settings. Next to the network name field, there's always a section Security or Wireless SecurityMake sure the encryption mode is selected. WPA2-PSK or WPA3WEP or Open modes (without a password) should not be used under any circumstances.
The passphrase (pre-shared key) should be complex. It is recommended to use a combination of mixed-case letters, numbers, and symbols, at least 12 characters long. Simple passwords like "12345678" or a date of birth can be cracked in seconds.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SSID Broadcast | Enable | There is no point in hiding the network, it will make it more difficult for guests to connect. |
| Encryption | WPA2-PSK (AES) | A reliable encryption standard for most devices. |
| Channel Width | 20/40 MHz (2.4 GHz) | Automatic channel width selection for stability. |
| Max Clients | 10-15 | Limiting the number of connections to protect against overload. |
Some users try to hide the SSID (Disable SSID Broadcast), believing this will conceal their network from prying eyes. This is a misconception. A hidden network is easily detected by specialized scanners, but for legitimate users, the connection process becomes inconvenient, as they must manually enter the network name.
Save settings and reconnect
After you click the save button, the router will apply the new settings. At this point, the connection to the device you used to configure the Wi-Fi connection will be lost. This is normal behavior. Your computer or phone will search for the network with the old name and won't find it.
You need to open the list of available networks on your device. Find the new name you just created in the list. Tap "Connect." The system will ask for a password. Enter the new WiFi password (if you changed it along with the name) or the old one if you only changed the name.
⚠️ Attention: If you've split your networks into 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, make sure you're connected to the correct one. For smartphones near the router, 5 GHz is preferable, while smart bulbs and vacuum cleaners should only use 2.4 GHz.
Check your internet connection. Open a website or app. If the pages load, the process was successful. Now all other devices (tablets, TVs, consoles) will also need to be reconnected using the new network name.
What should I do if my router doesn't respond after changing settings?
If the router stops responding after applying the settings (the WiFi indicators are off or the internet is down), try waiting 2-3 minutes. The device is rebooting its services. If there's no access after 5 minutes, there may be an IP address conflict or incompatible encryption settings. In this case, briefly powering off the router may help.
Common problems and their solutions
Sometimes users encounter problems with the new name not displaying or devices not connecting. One common cause is DNS or network profile caching on client devices. Try forgetting the network on your phone and then rediscovering it.
Another problem is the incompatibility of security standards. If you have installed only WPA3Old devices (such as 10-year-old printers or older smartphones) may simply not see the network. In this case, you should select mixed mode in the security settings. WPA2/WPA3 or temporarily switch back to WPA2.
It's also worth considering the SSID name length limitations. The maximum length is typically 32 characters. If you enter a name that's too long, the router may truncate it or not apply the settings at all. Use short and descriptive identifiers.
Is it possible to use Russian letters in the network name?
Technically, the WiFi standard (IEEE 802.11) supports UTF-8, but in practice, many devices (especially game consoles, smart devices, and older operating systems) cannot display Cyrillic characters correctly. Instead of a name, you'll see a series of gibberish or empty spaces. Therefore, experts strongly recommend using only the Latin alphabet.
Does the length of a network name affect internet speed?
No, the SSID length doesn't affect data transfer speed. The network name is transmitted in beacon frames, which take up a tiny fraction of the channel's bandwidth. You can name the network "SuperFastInternetForGaming"; it won't speed up or slow down the connection, either.
What should I do if I forgot my WiFi password after changing my name?
If you changed your username and password and then forgot the new password, you can't reset it over the air. You'll need to connect your computer to the router via cable, go to the settings (if you know the administrator password), and view or change the WiFi password there. If you've also forgotten the administrator password, the only way to reset it is by pressing the Reset button.
Do I need to change the network name on my guest WiFi?
A guest network is designed to isolate guests from your main local network. You can also rename it, for example by adding the suffix "_Guest." This will help guests understand which network is intended for them and avoid confusion with your personal network, where network printers or storage may be available.