SSID - service set identifier
SSID is short for service set identifier.
SSID is a case sensitive, 32 alphanumeric character unique identifier attached to the header of packets sent over a wireless local-area network (WLAN) that acts as a password when a mobile device tries to connect to the basic service set (BSS) -- a component of the IEEE 802.11 WLAN architecture.
The SSID differentiates one WLAN from another, so all access points and all devices attempting to connect to a specific WLAN must use 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 or it will not be permitted to join the BSS.
SSID is considered to be a fairly weak form of security because an SSID can be sniffed in plain text from a packet and most access points broadcast the SSID. Some network administrators turn off SSID broadcasting, but a hacker can still sniff the SSID from frames that stations use when associating with an access point.
An SSID is also referred to as a network name because essentially it is a name that identifies a wireless network.
Learn more about SSID and minimizing WLAN security threats on Wi-Fi Planet.
Featured Partners Sponsored
-
1
private cloud project
Companies initiate private cloud projects to enable their IT infrastructure to become more capable of quickly adapting to continually evolving...
-
2
cloud backup
A cloud backup (cloud computer backup) refers to backing up data to a remote, cloud-based server. As a form of cloud storage, cloud backup data is...
-
-
3
mobile operating system
The mobile operating system is the software platform on top of which other programs, called application programs, can run on mobile devices.
-
4
big data
A catch-phrase, used to describe a massive volume of both structured and unstructured data that is so large that it's difficult to process with...
-
5
enterprise application
An enterprise application is the term used to describe applications -- or software -- that a business would use to assist the organization in...
-
6
private cloud
The phrase used to describe a cloud computing platform that is implemented within the corporate firewall, under the control of the IT department....
-
7
BYOD - bring your own device
A phrase that has become widely adopted to refer to mobile workers bringing their own mobile devices, such as smartphones, laptops and PDAs, into...
-
8
consumerization of IT
Consumerization of IT is a phrase used to describe the cycle of information technology (IT) emerging in the consumer market then spreading to...
-
9
CRM - Customer Relationship Management
Short for customer relationship management, CRM entails all aspects of interaction a company has with its customer, whether it be sales or service...
-
10
ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning
Short for enterprise resource planning, ERP is business management software that allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications...
Connect with Webopedia
-
-
Android Apps for Remote Computer Access
Remote access is useful when you need to collaborate with co-workers, help a friend with PC problems or grab files from your desktop.
