Renaming your home wireless network is more than just a matter of aesthetics to make your network stand out. Wi-Fi among dozens of neighboring signals. Users often need to change the name when moving to a new home, changing providers, or simply want to move away from a standard name like "RT-WIFI_2G_XXXX," which gives away the device model and can be of interest to attackers. The process of changing SSID (Service Set Identifier) on Rostelecom equipment is quite simple, but has its own nuances depending on the router model.
In this article, we'll detail the steps for the various types of equipment most commonly provided by telecom operators. You'll learn how to access the web interface, where to find the required fields, and which security settings should be checked during the renaming process. It is important to understand, that after changing the network name, all your devices will have to reconnect to the Internet, since for them it will be a new access point.
Before proceeding with the settings, make sure you're connected to the router either via cable or wirelessly. If you plan to change the name of the network you're currently connected to, the connection will be lost immediately after saving the settings. This is normal system behavior and requires you to re-search for the network with the new name in the list of available connections on your smartphone or laptop.
Preparing to change router settings
The first step is a physical or wireless connection to the device. For maximum reliability and to avoid connection interruptions during configuration, it's best to use the LAN cable that came with the equipment. However, if this isn't possible, you can also use a wireless connection. Wi-Fi connection, just be prepared to reconnect quickly.
You need to know the address to access the control panel. For most Rostelecom devices, this is the standard IP address. 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1Also, on some models, especially new ones, a domain name is used, for example, rt or routerThis information is almost always indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device, along with the login and password for authorization.
Open any browser (Chrome, Opera, Firefox) and enter the address in the address bar. Don't use Yandex or Google search, otherwise you'll get a list of search results instead of the login page. If the page doesn't load, check your network card's TCP/IP settings—they should be set to obtain an IP address automatically.
⚠️ Attention: Web panel interfaces are constantly updated by the provider. The button layout and tab names may differ slightly from those described below depending on your firmware version. Sagemcom, Sercomm or Huawei.
Login to the router control panel
After entering the address in your browser, you'll see a login window. The default login credentials are usually universal: login admin and password adminHowever, for security purposes, on modern models the password for entering settings may be unique for each device and printed on the same sticker as the Wi-Fi password. Look for the field Password or Pwd next to the inscription "Web Login" or "GUI Password".
If you've previously changed your settings password and have forgotten it, the only solution is to reset the device to factory settings. To do this, locate the recessed button on the router while it's on. Reset (often labeled RST), press it with a paperclip and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash simultaneously. After this, the device will reboot to factory settings.
After successful authorization, the main control panel screen will open. Here you can see your connection status, channel load, and basic network information. We need to go to the advanced settings. Look for the tabs with the following names: Network, WLAN, Wi-Fi or Wireless networkThe menu grouping logic may differ across interfaces from different manufacturers, but the essence remains the same.
Find the Wireless Network (WLAN) section
The interfaces of routers supplied by Rostelecom can be divided into several main types depending on the hardware manufacturer. The most common devices of the brand Sagemcom (Fast 2804, 3804, 5804 series). In their interface, you need to find the tab Network (Network) in the top or side menu, and then select a subsection WLAN or Wireless.
For routers Sercomm (RV6688, RV6699, RV6700 models) The menu structure often looks different. Here, wireless network settings are usually located in a separate, large tab. Wi-Fi or Wireless network on the main panel. This section often includes a switch between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands if your router is dual-band.
On devices Huawei (HG8245H, HG8247H series) the menu may be hidden under the "Additional Features" button or have vertical navigation on the left. Look for the section WLAN, and inside it - WLAN Basic Configuration (Basic Configuration) This is where the key network identification parameters are located.
| Router model | Menu path (approximate) | SSID parameter name |
|---|---|---|
| Sagemcom Fast 2804/3804 | Network -> WLAN -> SSID Settings | SSID Name |
| Sercomm RV6688/RV6699 | Wi-Fi -> Basic Settings | Network name (SSID) |
| Huawei HG8245H | WLAN -> WLAN Basic Configuration | SSID Name |
| TP-Link (for Rostelecom) | Wireless -> Wireless Settings | Wireless Network Name |
Change network name (SSID) and save
Once you reach the desired section, you will see a field filled with the current name of your network. It may be called SSID Name, Network Name or simply "Network Name." Delete the old value and enter the desired name. It is recommended to use Latin letters and numbers, as some older devices may incorrectly display Cyrillic or special characters in the network name.
Network visibility settings are often located here. Parameter Hide SSID or Broadcast SSID Allows you to hide your network from the general list of available connections. If you enable hiding, you'll have to manually enter the network name on each new device to connect to the internet. This adds a layer of security, but reduces usability.
After entering the new name, be sure to click the button Apply, Save or "Save." On some Rostelecom router models, changes take effect immediately; on others, a device reboot may be required. If the connection is lost after clicking the "Save" button, this means the settings have been applied successfully.
☑️ Checklist before saving
Setting up security and password
Changing your network name is the perfect time to review your security. While you're in the WLAN settings, pay attention to the encryption settings. Make sure the security mode is selected. WPA2-PSK or WPA3, if your devices support this modern standard. Using legacy protocols like WEP or WPA (TKIP) is strictly not recommended due to their low hacking resistance.
The passphrase (pre-shared key) should be complex. Avoid simple combinations like "12345678" or your date of birth. A good password contains at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Write the new password in a safe place, as it will be impossible to recover it from the router settings without access to the control panel.
If you change the network name but keep the old password, previously connected devices may attempt to connect automatically but will receive an error, as they will see the network with a different name. You'll have to select the new network from the list on each device and re-enter the password. This is the only way to sync devices with the updated router settings.
⚠️ Attention: When you change the network name, all connected devices (smartphones, TVs, smart plugs) will lose connection. You'll need to reconnect each one.
Features of dual-band routers
Modern Rostelecom routers often operate in two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. By default, they may have different names, for example, "MyWiFi" and "MyWiFi_5G." In the settings, you may see an option to combine them under a single name (the "MyWiFi_5G" feature). Smart Connect or Band Steering).
If you enable network bonding, the router will automatically decide which band to connect your device to based on signal quality and supported standards. However, if you want to manually control the connection (for example, for IoT devices that only operate on 2.4 GHz), it's best to keep the names separate or disable bonding.
When changing the name on a dual-band router, be careful: sometimes changing the name in the 2.4 GHz profile automatically changes it for the 5 GHz profile as well if the "Clone settings" box is checked. Check the status of both networks after saving to ensure the renaming occurred correctly in all bands.
Why do you need two names?
Splitting networks allows older devices to be routed to the 2.4 GHz frequency, where they operate more reliably, while modern laptops and 4K TVs can be routed to the faster 5 GHz frequency, avoiding airspace congestion.
Solution (FAQ)
What should I do if my router stops distributing internet after changing its name?
First, check whether the WAN or PON indicators on the device are lit. If the indicators are normal, try rebooting the router using the power button or through the web interface. Also, make sure the device you're using to test the internet connection has the correct details for the new network. Sometimes, deleting the old network in your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings ("Forget network") and reconnecting from scratch helps.
Is it possible to use Russian letters in the network name?
Technically, the standard allows for the use of UTF-8 characters, but in practice, this often causes problems. Many devices (especially smart home devices, printers, and older smartphones) will not correctly display or connect to networks with Russian names, seeing gibberish instead of letters. It's better to use the Latin alphabet.
How do I reset my network to its factory name if I'm confused about the settings?
The most reliable method is to reset the router to factory settings. To do this, press and hold the Reset button on the router for about 10-15 seconds. The router will return to its out-of-the-box state, and the network name will be the one indicated 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 or connection stability. However, extremely long names may appear awkwardly in the network list on some mobile devices, being cut off by ellipses.