How to Change a Default Name

After setting up your wireless network, you may not realize that the router is broadcasting a default network name. The wireless network's name is also know as the Service Set Identifier (SSID), and is usually associated with the router. For example, a Netgear router will broadcast "NETGEAR" as the SSID. This can be a potential problem if a nearby wireless network is also using a Netgear router that is broadcasting the same default name. Changing the default name will distinguish your network from the other one. Rename the network by configuring the options in the "Wireless Settings" of your router.

Things You'll Need

• Router user manual

Instructions

1. Launch a Web browser. Enter the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the router in the address bar. An example of a router's IP address is 192.168.1.1. Your router's exact address is listed in the user's manual.

2. Enter your user name and password in the appropriate boxes on the login page. The router's configuration page will open. The process to change the default name of the wireless network is similar on most routers.

3. Click the "Wireless" or Wireless Settings" tab. Type in a new name for your wireless network in the "Name," "Network Name," "SSID" or "Name (SSID)" box. Click "Apply" or "Save," then close the browser window.

References

• Columbia University: Linksys WRT54G Setup
• Netgear: Configuring Your Wireless Connection Using Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility