Changing the name of your wireless network is the first thing you should do after purchasing a new router. Factory identifiers like TP-Link_5G_3A2B or ASUS_2401 Not only do they look unpresentable, but they also reveal the model of your equipment, which is unnecessary information for outsiders.
The process of renaming is technically called changing the parameter SSID (Service Set Identifier). This is a unique identifier that devices use to locate your access point among dozens of other signals in an apartment building or office center.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to choose the right name, where to find the necessary settings in popular brand interfaces, and why a default name can be a security vulnerability for your home network.
Why change the default Wi-Fi network name?
Many users ignore network renaming, considering it a cosmetic procedure. However, changing the default SSID is a basic element. cybersecurity hygieneBy default, manufacturers assign router names that contain the brand name and often part of the MAC address or serial number.
Knowing the exact router model, an attacker can quickly search online for a list of known vulnerabilities specific to that firmware version or hardware platform. If the device doesn't have the latest security updates installed, the risk of hacking increases exponentially.
Furthermore, name conflicts often arise in apartment buildings. If you and your neighbor have routers from the same manufacturer, their default names may be the same. This causes your phone or laptop to try to connect to someone else's network with a similar name but a different password, causing connection errors.
- 🔒 Hiding the model: Removes hints to hackers about your hardware type.
- 🏠 Identification: Helps you quickly find your network in the list of available connections from your neighbors.
- 📶 Range splitting: Allows you to clearly distinguish between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks if the router does not combine them automatically.
⚠️ Attention: Changing the network name will disconnect all connected devices. You'll have to re-enter the password on phones, tablets, and smart devices.
Preparing to change router settings
Before making any changes to your router configuration, you need to ensure a stable connection. It's best to perform the configuration from a device connected via Ethernet cableThis will eliminate the risk of connection loss when applying new parameters and the router reboots the wireless module.
If a cable connection is not possible, make sure your device (laptop or smartphone) is connected to the Wi-Fi network you plan to rename. Keep in mind that changing the name will immediately disconnect the connection, and you will have to manually reconnect to the network with the new name.
You'll also need your web interface login information. These are usually located on a sticker on the bottom of the device. You'll need:
- 🌐 IP address: Most often this is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or a domain name (for example, my.keenetic.net).
- 👤 Login: The default is often admin.
- 🔑 Password: Unique code from the sticker or standard (admin/1234).
If you have changed the password for entering the settings earlier and have forgotten it, you may need to reset the router to factory settings using the button Reset on the body.
Universal SSID Change Algorithm
Interfaces from different manufacturers vary in design and menu layout, but the operating logic remains the same. First, log in to the management system. Open a browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar.
After entering your login and password, you'll be taken to the main menu (Dashboard). Here, you'll need to find the section responsible for your wireless network. It might be called Wireless, Wi-Fi, Wireless network or WLAN.
☑️ Action Algorithm
Inside the section, look for the field SSID or Network NameThis is where you need to enter the desired name. After entering the text, be sure to click the save button. It is often called Save, Apply or OKThe router may warn you that a reboot is necessary.
It's important to distinguish between settings for different frequency ranges. Modern routers operate in two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These may be displayed in the interface as separate tabs or subsections.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 300-450 Mbps | Up to 1000+ Mbps |
| Range | Tall, breaks through walls | Average, worse at passing obstacles |
| Loading | High (many neighboring networks) | Low (cleaner ether) |
| Recommendation | For smart homes and older gadgets | For TV, games and laptops |
You can give networks different names, for example, Home_WiFi_24 And Home_WiFi_5Gto manually select where to connect. Or use the same name if your router supports the feature. Smart Connect, which distributes devices itself.
Setting up names in TP-Link and Asus routers
Devices from these brands have a similar but distinct menu structure. In routers TP-Link (especially in the new Tether OS interfaces) you need to go to the section Basic (Basic settings) and select Wireless (Wireless mode) Here you will see a field Wireless Network Name (SSID).
If you have a dual-band TP-Link router, make sure the band switch is set to "Combine" or, conversely, separate them if you want to see both networks. In older interfaces (green menu), the path looks like this: Wireless -> Wireless Settings.
A feature of old TP-Link
Some older TP-Link models with a green interface don't support Cyrillic characters in the network name. Use only Latin letters and numbers to avoid characters appearing in place of the name on phones.
In routers Asus The interface is more detailed. In the menu on the left, select a section Additional settings (Advanced Settings), then the tab Wireless network (Wireless). There's a switch here for frequency bands (2.4G and 5G).
For each range you need to enter its name in the field SSIDAsus also has a useful "Quick Internet Setup" feature that may prompt you to change the network name on first launch, but you can change it later in the full menu.
Don't forget to press the button after entering the data. Apply (Apply) at the bottom of the page. The Asus router usually applies the settings without a full reboot, but the wireless module will restart.
Changing the SSID on Keenetic and MikroTik routers
Routers Keenetic (formerly ZyXEL) are renowned for their logical interface. Click the "My Networks and Wi-Fi" icon (usually a globe or Wi-Fi icon in the bottom menu). The window that opens displays your home network settings.
Here you can specify the network name in the field Network name (SSID)Keenetic is unique in that it allows you to flexibly configure guest networks and networks for IoT devices, assigning them different names. You can create a network Home_Main for personal devices and Home_Guest for guests.
⚠️ Attention: The Keenetic interface is subject to update. If you can't find the button you need, check the layout of the elements against the official documentation on the manufacturer's website, as the menu structure sometimes changes in new versions of NDMS.
For equipment MikroTik (RouterOS) The procedure is more complicated. You need to open WinBox or the web interface, go to the menu WirelessIn the list of interfaces, double-click wlan1 (or the corresponding interface).
In the window that opens, on the first tab Wireless find the field SSIDEnter a new name there. To apply the settings, click OK and then the button ApplyIn MikroTik, changes are applied instantly.
MikroTik users should be aware of security profiles. Changing the network name does not change the security profile, but if you create a virtual interface (VAP) with a new name, make sure to select the correct encryption profile (WPA2/WPA3).
Naming Rules and Network Security
When coming up with a new name, it's important to consider not only creativity but also technical compatibility. Some older devices (smart plugs, older printers) may incorrectly display or not recognize networks with special characters.
It is recommended to use only Latin letters, numbers, and hyphens. Avoid spaces (replace them with underscores). _), since some command lines or older OS may treat a space as a command separator.
- 🚫 Personal data: Don't use your last name, apartment number, or address. This makes social engineering easier.
- 🚫 Router model: Don't leave the model name in the name (eg. Netgear_R7000), so as not to suggest vulnerabilities.
- ✅ Uniqueness: Add random numbers or words to differentiate yourself from your neighbors (eg. Blue_Sky_74).
It is also worth considering the possibility of hiding the SSID. This feature (Hide SSID or Hide network name) makes the network invisible in the general list. To connect a device, you will need to manually enter the network name.
However, security experts consider hiding the SSID weak security. The network is still detectable by special scanners, and for legitimate users, it adds unnecessary complexity to setup. It's better to use a strong password. WPA3 or WPA2-AES.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use Russian letters in a Wi-Fi name?
Technically, the standard allows for the use of UTF-8, and modern devices (Android, iOS, Windows 10/11) display Cyrillic correctly. However, older devices (IoT lamps, old phones, game consoles) may display the name as a jumble of gibberish or not see the network at all. It is recommended to use the Latin alphabet for maximum compatibility.
Will all devices lose internet access after changing the name?
Yes, the connection will be lost immediately. Devices will continue to search for the network with the old name. You'll have to go to each phone, laptop, or TV, select the new network from the list, and re-enter the password. Smart home devices (robot vacuums, power outlets) will also need to be reconfigured through the app.
Does the length of a network name affect internet speed?
No, the SSID length (up to 32 bytes) does not affect channel throughput or internet speed. Network name packets are transmitted in beacon frames very rarely and take up a negligible amount of airtime. You can use the maximum permitted length if it's convenient for identification.
What should I do if my router doesn't save the new name?
Check that you're not using illegal characters. Try shortening the name. The router's settings memory may also be full—try resetting it to factory settings and setting up the network again. Make sure you click "Save" or "Apply" and don't just close the tab.