Changing your wireless network ID is the first step you should take after installing your ISP equipment. Factory model names, such as RT-WPON-420 or Sagemcom Fast 2804, look boring and uninformative. Moreover, using standard names can create confusion if neighboring apartments have similar equipment.
Renaming a network doesn't require advanced technical knowledge or technical support. All you need is a smartphone or computer connected to the router and access to the admin panel. SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the technical name of your access point, which appears in the list of available networks on all devices.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the process of changing the network name on various terminal models used by your provider. We'll cover both the classic browser-based method and using a mobile app. You'll also learn which characters are best avoided in the name to avoid connection issues with older devices.
Why do I need to change the default network name?
The main reason for changing the name is personalization. In a high-density residential area, the list of available Wi-Fi networks can include dozens of entries. Find your router with the same name among them. RT-WPON-320 can be extremely difficult. A unique name, for example, Apartament_5_WiFi, allows you to instantly identify your network.
Security is the second important aspect. Standard names often indicate the device model, which can tip off an attacker to potential vulnerabilities in a specific firmware version. By hiding the router model, you make it more difficult for potential attackers.
- 📡 Simplifying your search: Your network name will be highlighted in the general list of available connections.
- 🔒 Increased anonymity: Hiding the hardware model reduces the risk of attacks on known vulnerabilities.
- 🏠 Navigation: In offices or large homes with multiple routers, unique names help distinguish access points.
⚠️ Note: Changing the network name will cause all your devices (phones, laptops, TVs) to lose connection. You'll have to reconnect them by selecting the network with the new name and entering the password.
Preparing to set up your router
Before making any changes to the equipment configuration, you must ensure a stable connection to it. It is best to use a wired connection via LAN cable, as it ensures that the connection won't be interrupted while saving the settings. If this isn't possible, make sure your smartphone or laptop is connected to the Wi-Fi network whose settings you intend to change.
You'll also need your login credentials to access the control panel. On most modern Rostelecom routers, the default login and password are located on a sticker located on the bottom of the case. This is usually admin / admin or a unique code generated by the manufacturer.
☑️ Preparing for setup
Make sure you have a modern web browser installed on your device. Older versions of Internet Explorer may not display the new control panels correctly, so it is recommended to use Google Chrome, Yandex Browser or Mozilla Firefox.
Login to the Rostelecom router web interface
Open your browser and enter your gateway's IP address in the address bar. The standard address for the equipment Sagemcom, Eltex And Sercomm is 192.168.1.1In some cases, especially on older models, the address may be 192.168.0.1If none of the addresses open, check your network adapter settings—they indicate "Default gateway."
After entering the address, a login window will appear. Enter your username and password. If you've changed them before and forgot them, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings by holding down the button. Reset for 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if the page doesn't load?
If your browser says "Unable to connect," try opening the page in incognito mode. Also, make sure the address doesn't use the https protocol; try http://192.168.1.1. Ad blockers can sometimes prevent the router's page scripts from loading—disable them during setup.
Interfaces from different manufacturers may look different, but the operating logic remains the same. After successfully logging in, you'll see the main page with the connection status and basic network information.
Instructions for Sagemcom and Eltex routers
Equipment brand Sagemcom (Fast 2804, 3804 models) and Eltex (NTU-2, 4) is the most common among the provider's subscribers. The interface of these devices is often green-gray or features a modern dark design in newer firmware versions.
To change the network name, follow these steps:
- Select the tab in the top menu Settings (Settings) or go to the section
Wi-Fi. - Find the subsection Basic settings (Basic Settings) or
SSID. - In the field SSID (or Network name) delete the old value and enter the desired name.
- Click the button Apply or
Saveat the bottom of the page.
It's important to note that in some firmware versions, the settings for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands may be located in different tabs. If your router is dual-band, be sure to rename the network in the second band as well, so they don't overlap or, conversely, have a common prefix for ease of reference.
After saving the settings, the router will reboot the module. The connection will be interrupted for 10-20 seconds.
Setting up Wi-Fi on Sercomm and Huawei devices
Routers Sercomm (models RV6699, FG8010) and Huawei Often have a more simplified interface, focused on quick setup. The process here may differ slightly in the menu structure.
The algorithm of actions for these models:
- 🔧 Go to the menu Local area network (LAN) or directly to the section
WLAN. - Select an item Basic settings (Basic).
- Find the field SSID NameThis is where the visible name of the network is written.
- Be sure to click the button at the bottom of the page Save (Apply/Save).
On some models Huawei There's a "Hide SSID" feature. If you enable this option, the network will disappear from the general list, and you can only connect to it by manually entering its name. This increases security, but reduces usability for guests.
| Router model | Entrance address | Menu section | Name parameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sagemcom 2804/3804 | 192.168.1.1 | Settings -> Wi-Fi | SSID |
| Eltex NTU-2/4 | 192.168.1.1 | Wi-Fi -> Basic | Network name (SSID) |
| Sercomm RV6699 | 192.168.1.1 | WLAN -> Basic | SSID Name |
| Huawei HG8245 | 192.168.100.1 | WLAN -> Basic | SSID Name |
Please note that login addresses may be changed by your provider during remote configuration. If the default IP addresses don't work, refer to the information on the device's label.
Change your name using the "My Rostelecom" mobile app
Modern Rostelecom routers support remote control via the official app. My RostelecomThis is the easiest way to change settings without having to search for IP addresses and remember passwords for the web interface.
To use this method, your router must be linked to your personal account. If you haven't done so previously, download the app, log in using your contract number, and add the device by scanning the QR code on the sticker or selecting it from the list of devices available on your local network.
Instructions for changing the SSID in the app:
- Open the app and go to the tab Devices or select your router.
- Find the block Wi-Fi network.
- Click on the pencil icon or button Edit.
- Enter a new name in the appropriate field and save the changes.
The app will automatically send the new settings to the router. The advantage of this method is that the app will automatically display which devices are currently connected and notify you when the settings have been successfully changed.
Recommendations for choosing a name and security
When coming up with a new network name, consider not only creativity but also technical limitations. While modern standards allow for long names with spaces and special characters, not all devices process them correctly.
Avoid using the following characters in your network name:
- 🚫 Special characters: Quotation marks, backslashes (\), question marks (?), and exclamation marks (!) can cause parsing errors on older smartphones.
- 🔤 Cyrillic: Although many devices understand Russian letters, some "smart" gadgets (lamps, sockets) may display the name as a set of gibberish or not recognize the network at all.
- 📏 Length: Try to keep the name to 32 characters. Excessively long names may be truncated in the interface of some operating systems.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use personal information, such as your apartment number, last name, or exact address, in your network name. This could be useful information for attackers attempting to hack your network using brute force or social engineering.
The optimal format for a name is an abstract word or a combination of letters and numbers, for example, Cloud_Nine_01 or Alpha_WaveThis will ensure compatibility with all devices and maintain your anonymity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will changing the network name affect internet speed?
No, changing the SSID (network name) does not affect data transfer speed or connection stability. This is a purely cosmetic change that helps identify the network among others. Speed depends on your plan, signal quality, and channel congestion.
What should I do if my router stops distributing Wi-Fi after changing its name?
In rare cases, a software glitch may occur. Try rebooting the router by unplugging it from the power outlet for 10 seconds. If the problem persists, perform a factory reset using the reset button. Reset and configure the network again, carefully checking the entered parameters.
Is it possible to make the network name invisible?
Yes, there's a "Hide SSID" option in your wireless network settings. When enabled, the network won't appear in the general list. To connect, you'll need to manually enter the network name and password in your device's Wi-Fi settings.
Do I need to change my password when I change my network name?
Technically, this isn't necessary; the system will retain your old password. However, if you're changing your name for security reasons or after moving, it's recommended to also change your password to a more complex one to prevent access by unauthorized persons who may know your previous information.