In the Wi-Fi world it can be difficult to get creative, but we all have networks that need to receive a SSID, or service set identifier. Many people enjoy naming their SSIDs and spend some time coming up with a name. Perhaps you’ve seen your neighbors’ network names and wonder what in the world compelled them to name it that? If we think about it, in homes, offices, or business, people are signing on to your network daily. Devices are constantly scanning for Wi-Fi and when they’ve found a network, the name pops up in their feed. So why not have a little fun with that name and come up with something creative?

Here are some MetaGeek employee favorites:

Creative SSID Name

Pretty Fly for a Wi-Fi

• [Your Neighbors Address] Bathroom Cam
• Wam Bam Thank You LAN
• Do you want some Wi-Fries with that Shake
• Silence of the LANs
• Sorry My Kids Are So Noisy

If you want more ideas, check out this article from BuzzFeed for entertaining names to read through!

Besides providing a little entertainment as people look up your SSID or one near it, having a creative name can also benefit you. Take, for example, the typical Centurylink SSID name like CenturyLink 7899. If another network that your device comes into contact with has the same name, which can happen, it is quite possible you could run the risk of joining that other network. If there is no password protection, this means you’d be exposed to potential data theft without even knowing it. Or perhaps your neighbor has the same name, then both wireless clients could associate with the wrong access point and cause confusion resulting in slower speeds or interference.

Another side to naming your SSID; make sure you don’t hide the name. I know it’s tempting for many of us to uncheck that box saying “Broadcast Network SSID”, and we think this will create added security, since no one will be able to see it. Let’s be honest though, having a hidden SSID only makes it more appealing to those who may want to hack it. Even if you hide it, your network will still send out probe requests, so in the end your network is still detectable. Just read this article on our knowledge base to learn more about hidden network SSIDs.

Have a little fun and name your network with something original. That way, if the person coming to troubleshoot your network has a MetaGeek product like inSSIDer Office, Chanalyzer or Eye P.A. where you can see the many SSIDs, they can enjoy it too.