Changing Wifi Network Name

[Matte2]

Firstly, I am not a techie, so I might not have the terminology incorrect. I have a router and in the upper right under wi-fi networks, the name of my wi-fi network is the model number of my router. Some people in my neighborhood have their names as the name of their wi-fi network.

I am thinking about changing the name of my wi-fi network to a social/political slogan, but I don't want to do this if people in my neighborhood can identify it's me. Is there a way for people to know who owns a certain wi-fi network? Secondly, how far (in yards, ft, etc.) is my wi-fi network visible to other people? Lastly, other than seeing the name of the wi-fi network on their desktop if they click the upper right area of the desktop under the wi-fi icon (assuming they have a Mac), where else would they see other neighbors' wi-fi names?

 

[Erehy Dobon]

I am thinking about changing the name of my wi-fi network to a social/political slogan, but I don't want to do this if people in my neighborhood can identify it's me. Is there a way for people to know who owns a certain wi-fi network?

There are ways for highly technical people to identify networks and likely who owns it.

Depending on how you interact with your neighbors, it might not be very difficult for them to guess whose owns the network with a particular name, BlackLivesMatter, [person, group]Sucks, Go[sports team], WearAMask, whatever.

Secondly, how far (in yards, ft, etc.) is my wi-fi network visible to other people?

No simple answer. It depends on the strength your device's transmitter, the sensitivity of the receiving device, physical obstructions, electrical interference, transmission frequency, etc. Same with any device that uses radio waves for communication.

Depending on your router, you might be able to cloak your WiFi network name. Consult the owner's manual for your particular device.

But then what's the point of giving it a statement name if nobody can read it? It would be like driving with a political bumper sticker written in invisible ink.

Lastly, other than seeing the name of the wi-fi network on their desktop if they click the upper right area of the desktop under the wi-fi icon (assuming they have a Mac), where else would they see other neighbors' wi-fi names?

Well, nearby WiFi networks will show up on a smartphone. Those are far more ubiquitous than computers. You can also run scanning software. Nerds used to do this back 15-20 years ago; it was called "wardriving."

Note that the mapping services like Google Maps, Apple Maps, etc. have their own databases of fixed wireless network names. This aids in location identification.

Something like your smartphone will use Bluetooth, WiFi network triangulation, cellular tower triangulation and GPS to identify your location. WiFi network triangulation is fast but not accurate, cellular tower is intermediate. GPS is the slowest but quite accurate. GPS is really an outdoor technology, the satellite signals do not penetrate buildings well.

 

[Longkeg]

Not a good idea. You may as well name your WiFi network “Hack Me - I Dare You”.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Forget the confrontational name. Invites problems. Make it fun. We need more yucks in the world.

 

[Ruggy]

You've had some good answers.
The wifi name is the SSID so you can look that up for more info
If you connect to the network via your phone then go outside and walk around, when you can't get a signal anymore and it disconnects will be the extent to which others can see your network.
If you live in a block of flats then perhaps everyone will see the SSID but it's unlikely anyone will know exactly which is which.
If you have only have a couple of neighbours and a garden, the ones that can see it will know it's you just because of when they can see it and when they can't.
I know which side of my house each of my neighbours' SSIDs are and who they belong to for that reason.

 

[russell_314]

Forget the confrontational name. Invites problems. Make it fun. We need more yucks in the world.

Exactly this. I can't find the article but I remember hearing about someone being forced to change their wifi name after neighbors complained to their internet service provider. Also it's just asking for someone to do something negative. It would be like me putting a certain name as a bumper sticker for my car. Sure I can show my support for him but what am I getting out of it? I might get my car vandalized and that's about it.

Put something silly or funny. In today's world where everyone hates everyone for _____ reason give people a reason to laugh.