The SSID in a hotspot is the name of the Wi-Fi network that the hotspot broadcasts, allowing nearby devices to identify and connect to it. Essentially, it's the "name" you see when searching for available Wi-Fi networks on your phone, laptop, or other Wi-Fi enabled device.
Understanding SSID in More Detail
-
SSID Explained: SSID stands for "Service Set Identifier." It's a case-sensitive alphanumeric string (up to 32 characters) that uniquely identifies a wireless network.
-
Broadcast Function: A hotspot (which could be a dedicated device, a smartphone, or a laptop configured to share its internet connection) broadcasts its SSID, making it visible to devices in its range.
-
Finding and Connecting: When you open your device's Wi-Fi settings, it scans for available SSIDs. You then select the desired SSID (the hotspot's name) and, if required, enter the correct password to connect to the hotspot.
-
Hidden SSIDs: For security reasons, some hotspot administrators choose to hide their SSID. In this case, the SSID won't appear in the list of available networks. To connect, you need to manually enter the SSID and password into your device's Wi-Fi settings.
-
Example: If you create a hotspot on your phone and name it "MyHotspot," then "MyHotspot" is the SSID that other devices will see.
Importance of a Strong Password
While the SSID identifies the network, the password (or network key) protects it from unauthorized access. It is crucial to set a strong and unique password for your hotspot to prevent others from using your internet connection.
