A service set symbol (SSID) could be a sequence of characters that unambiguously names a wireless native space network (WLAN). associate degree SSID is typically cited as a "network name." This name permits stations to attach to the required network once multiple freelance networks operate within the same physical space.
Each set of wireless devices act directly with one another is termed a basic service set (BSS). many BSSs may be joined along to make one logical local area network section, cited as associate degree extended service set (ESS). A Service Set symbol (SSID) is just the 1-32 computer memory unit alphanumerical name given to every ESS.
For example, a division local area network (ESS) might accommodates many access points (APs) and dozens of stations, all mistreatment a similar SSID. Another organization within the same building might operate its own division local area network, composed of APs and stations employing a completely different SSID. the aim of SSID is to assist stations in department A notice and connect with APs in department A, ignoring APs happiness to department B.
Each AP advertises its presence many times per second by broadcasting beacon frames that carry the ESS name (SSID). Stations will discover APs by passively listening for beacons, or they'll send probe frames to actively look for associate degree AP with the required SSID. Once the station locates associate degree appropriately-named AP, it will send associate degree associate request frame containing the required SSID. The AP replies with associate degree associate response frame, additionally containing SSID.
Some frames area unit allowable to hold a null (zero length) SSID, known as a broadcast SSID. let's say, a station will send a research request that carries a broadcast SSID; the AP should come its actual SSID within the probe response. Some APs may be designed to send a zero-length broadcast SSID in beacon frames rather than causing their actual SSID. However, it's impractical to stay associate degree SSID worth secret, as a result of the particular SSID (ESS name) is carried in many frames.
SSID is brief for service set Identifier:
SSID could be a case sensitive, thirty two alphanumerical character distinctive symbol connected to the header of packets sent over a wireless local-area network (WLAN) that acts as a word once a mobile device tries to attach to the fundamental service set (BSS) -- a part of the IEEE 802.11 local area network design.
The SSID differentiates one local area network from another, therefore all access points and every one devices trying to attach to a selected local area network should use a similar SSID to alter effective roaming. As a part of the association method, a wireless network interface card (NIC) should have a similar SSID because the access purpose or it'll not be allowable to hitch the BSS.
SSID is additionally cited as a network name as a result of primarily it's a reputation that identifies a wireless network.
SSID Security:
SSID is taken into account to be a reasonably weak kind of security as a result of associate degree SSID may be sniffed in plain text from a packet and most access points broadcast the SSID multiple times per second among the body of every beacon frame. A hacker will simply use associate degree 802.11 analysis tool to spot the SSID. Some network administrator’s shut down SSID broadcasting, however a hacker will still sniff the SSID from frames that stations use once associating with associate degree access purpose.
Using Multiple SSIDs:
Using multiple SSIDs permits users to access completely different networks through one access purpose. A network manager will assign completely different policies and functions for every SSID, increasing the flexibleness and potency of the network infrastructure.
How to notice the SSID on a laptop:
3 Methods:
1.Finding obtainable SSIDs in Windows.
2.Finding obtainable SSIDs in OS X.
3. detection Hidden SSIDs.
An SSID (Service Set Identifier) could be a name that identifies a specific wireless network you're connecting to. every wireless network in your vary can have its own distinctive name, or SSID. If the wireless network isn't broadcasting the SSID, you'll be able to use a network analyser to search out it.
Finding obtainable SSIDs in Windows:
Find the Wireless icon within the System Tray:
This is often settled within the lower-right corner of the desktop. you will have to be compelled to click the "▴" button to point out all the icons within the receptacle.
If you're employing a laptop computer, make sure that the wireless is enabled. you will ought to alter it by flipping a switch, or by mistreatment the Fn key.
If you're employing a desktop and can't see the wireless icon, your wireless card might not be properly put in, or it's going to be disabled. to envision if your adapter is enabled, press the Windows key + R and sort ncpa.cpl. hunt for your wireless adapter within the connections list. If it's listed as "Disabled", right-click it and choose alter.
Hover over the icon to envision your current network:
If you hover your mouse indicator over the wireless icon within the receptacle, the pop-up can show the SSID, or network name, of the wireless network you're presently connected to.
Browse the obtainable networks:
Click the wireless icon. an inventory of all the networks in vary are going to be displayed. every network may be known by the SSID, or network name.
Finding obtainable SSIDs in OS X:
Click the Wireless icon within the menu-bar:
This is often settled within the upper-right corner of the screen, next to the amount icon.
Ensure that airfield is turned on to envision wireless networks. you'll be able to toggle airfield on and far from the wireless menu.
Find your current SSID. The network that you simply area unit connected to are going to be indicated by a checkmark "✓". The SSID is that the network's name.
Hold the choice key once clicking the Wireless icon to envision further data concerning your current network.
View obtainable SSIDs:
When you click the wireless menu, all the networks among vary of your laptop are going to be listed. The SSID is that the network's name.
Detecting Hidden SSIDs:
Download a network soul. If you think that there area unit hidden networks that are not broadcasting their SSIDs, you'll be able to use a network sniffing program to search out them. These programs can analyze the network and come all the SSIDs in vary, together with hidden ones. in style programs include in SSIDer NetStumbler (free) Mac users will use the constitutional Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool to perform a similar functions. you'll be able to open the tool by holding down choice, clicking the Wireless icon, and choosing "Open Wireless Diagnostics.
Start the scanner:
The process can vary counting on the program you're mistreatment, however usually scanning is one in every of the first functions. The program can use your wireless card to search out all of the networks that area unit in vary, albeit they're not broadcasting their SSID.
Examine the results:
once the scan, you'll be shown an inventory of all the detected networks in conjunction with their SSIDs. counting on the program you're mistreatment, you will or might not be able to see the SSID of networks that are not broadcasting it...
