What Is the SSID on a PSP

When trying to connect a Playstation Portable (PSP) to the Internet through a wireless Internet connection, you will be asked to enter an SSID. SSID is the name of the access point or router through which you connect to the Internet wirelessly. If you are at a WI-FI hot spot where a free wireless connection is provided, then you will not have to worry about entering a SSID. When setting up a wireless connection with a router in your home or business, you will be given or asked to create your own SSID. To be able to connect to the Internet wirelessly, it will be necessary to know the 32-character password that is the SSID.

Function

SSID is a common acronym meaning Service Set Identifier. The ID is a 32-character password that is created by the user when connecting to the Basic Service Set (BSS) with a wireless device. This protects the user from having other wireless device users leeching into their wireless local-area network (WLAN). The WLAN is the user's local-area network which, according to www.webopedia.com, "uses high-frequency waves as opposed to wire to communicate between processing locations." The SSID distinguishes between these wireless networks and restricts unauthorized wireless devices from attempting to connect to a specific WLAN without the use of an appropriate SSID.

Features

Although an SSID essentially protects a wireless connection from being infiltrated, it is not the most efficient security tool. Webopedia also warns that an SSID can be, "sniffed in plain text form from a packet." A sniffer is a program that monitors the data that is traveled from your network, usually a function tracked by Internet providers. An unauthorized sniffer or hacker could gain access to your information despite the function of the SSID. The best options are additional security and spyware software installed to your system.

Significance

Before you can wirelessly connect to the Internet with your PSP, you must have a wireless router that creates a network for your wireless devices. Wireless routers do two important tasks. The first is that the router connects two or more subnets (networks) with the same designated IP address routing prefix. The second function is the creation of a Wireless Access Point (WAP), which allows wireless devices to connect to the established network. In some instances, wireless devices may ask for a WAP passcode. This is the same password that you create when installing your router, and it is also the same as the SSID.

Effects

The Remote Play is an effect of connecting to the Internet with a PSP. The Remote Play allows for similar access to functions that are applicable with the Playstation 3 console. When both devices, the PSP and PS3, are connected to the WLAN, you'll be allowed access to the videos, pictures, and music stored on your PS3. With the systems connects wirelessly, you can also use your PSP as a remote control for the PS3. Other capabilities of the PSP include access of the embedded microbrowser as well as UMD multi-player games with Wi-Fi accessibility.

Scanning for Access Points

From the main menu of your PSP, press the Home button. Now, move left until you get to the Setting option, and move down until you reach the Network Setting option. Select Infrastructure Mode in the Network Setting option. Select New Connection and then give a name to the connection. The name of your home wireless network might be easiest to remember. After entering the name, the network scan will prompt. After scanning, you should see a list of networks. Choose your own network from the list.

Manually Entering the SSID

You will need to manually enter the SSID. Have your router or access point password memorized so that you can easily type it in. Once you are done, you can hide your SSID to keep safe from hackers. You may also want to make sure that you are using a WPA encryption. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a security mechanism that allows encrypted communications between networks.

Test Network Connection and Access Point

Make sure that the SSID was computed correctly by testing the network. You can do this by going to Settings and then clicking on Address Settings. The following screen will confirm your specified settings. Pressing the ">" button will save your settings and you'll see a pop-up asking if you'd like to save your settings. Click on the "X" button to save the settings. Select the option to Test Network Connection. If something is wrong with connecting to the network, you will see "Network Connection Error" appear. If you are still having problems and don't see the error notification, try physically moving closer to the access point. If connected, go to the Internet Browser to check that you are officially connected.