Change the Name (SSID) on a Network

Home Wi-Fi wireless routers use a name called the SSID to identify themselves on the local network. Manufacturers set a default SSID for their routers at the factory, generally using the same name for each. Linksys routers, for example, all typically start with an SSID of "linksys." 

To improve the security of your network, you should consider changing its SSID. These pages walk through the steps to change the SSID on a common Linksys network router. The exact steps will vary depending on the specific model of router in use, but the process is similar in any case.

Log in to the router's administrative console through a Web browser using the default password and username. Linksys routers typically have the Web address http://192.168.1.1/, the "admin" username and no (blank) password. When successfully logged in, you should see a screen like the below.

In the router's administrative console, navigate to the appropriate wireless settings section where the SSID can be changed. In this example, the Basic Wireless Settings section of the Wireless tab at the top of the screen contains the Linksys router's SSID as shown below.

Choose a suitable network name and enter it as in the example shown below. An SSID is case sensitive and has a maximum length of 32 alphanumeric characters.

The new SSID is not activated on the router until you save or confirm the change. In this example, click the Save Settings button at the bottom of the page (as shown below) to have the new setting take effect. You will see a confirmation window appear briefly to confirm the change was made successfully. The new SSID takes effect immediately; rebooting the router is not required.