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SSID - Service Set IDentifier
SSID is the name of a wireless local area network
(WLAN). All wireless devices on a WLAN must employ the same SSID for
communicating with each other.
SSID is a 32-character unique identifier attached
to the header of packets sent over a WLAN that acts as a password when a mobile
device tries to connect to the services.
Normally, a company will set all access points
to the same SSID to enable effective roaming. As part of the association
process, a wireless client must have the same SSID as the one put in the access
point.
Tips to Remember:
When defining the SSID, here are some tips to consider:
Company and Brand name.
Many companies will use their company or brand name as the SSID. This may be the best approach for public wireless LANs because you
want to advertise your particular system. With private wireless LANs, however,
the use of a company name gives away the owner of the network. If you're a high
profile company, then a hacker may prefer to launch a denial of service attack
against your network rather than others.
Scrambled characters.
A SSID with scrambled characters, such as X#RM$33d#~0nE
certainly doesn't give away your identity, but it looks like you're hiding
something important. So, this could prompt a hacker to do bad things to your
network. Most people choose this type of SSID because they think that it will be
more secure. Keep in mind that even an inexperienced hacker can still easily
obtain the SSID by sniffing the association frames. Also, the use of meaningless
names makes it difficult to manage the network. Administrators have difficulties
remembering things like X#RM$33d#~0nE.
Aliases. In order to mask your identify with a management name, an alias may be
your best solution. Try using something like WirelessLAN or WLAN as your SSID.
The odds of someone right next to you with the same SSID you've chosen is not
probable. In addition, you won't be giving away your identity.
When naming the SSID, consider how it affects functionality, security, and
manageability. This relatively simple exercise will make your wireless LAN more
effective.
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