SBG6700-AC (v8.6.x): Changing the Wireless Network Name (SSID)

The SSID (Service Set Identification) is the name given to the wireless network of the SBG6700-AC.  It is used to uniquely identify the wireless network.  When attempting to establish a wireless connection through the wireless settings of a client (e.g. laptop, tablet, smartphone), a list will normally appear with the SSIDs of the wireless networks in the nearby area to connect to.  When there are multiple wireless networks in the nearby area (such as a wireless network of a neighbor or coffee shop), it may be difficult to know which wireless network to connect to without knowing the SSID of the SBG6700-AC. 

The default SSID of the SBG6700-AC is listed on a sticker at the bottom of the device.  If desired, the SSID of the SBG6700-AC can be changed to a new SSID of choice.  This document describes how to change the 2.4 GHz and or 5 GHz SSID of the SBG6700-AC wireless primary network.

NOTE: It is recommended to change the SSID from a computer that is connected to the SBG6700-AC with an Ethernet cable.

CAUTION: When changing the SSID of the wireless network, will cause all of the wireless devices on the network to lose connection. The wireless devices will then need to be reconnected to the network.

To Change the SSID

1. Launch a Firefox or Safari browser.  Enter http://192.168.0.1 into the address box, and press the Enter key.  
   
   NOTE: A browser message on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera, may appear when accessing the Web Manager.  The message includes 192.168.01 uses an unsupported protocol and ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH.  The Web Manager uses an earlier version of the TLS protocol and does not match the version allowed by the web browser.  Safari browsers on Apple PC and mobile devices are not impacted.  The workaround to access the Web Manager with a PC is to use the Firefox browser and set the TLS version to 1.  For workaround instructions refer to article # 19435 - 192.168.0.1 uses an unsupported protocol. 
    
2. A security or private risk alert may appear on the web browser advising users to proceed with caution when accessing the Web Manager.  There is no risk in proceeding to the Web Manager.  For instructions to bypass the alert screen, refer to article # 18181 - Alert Message for Web Manager Access.
    
3. On the Login page, enter admin or a customized username in the Username field.
    
4. Enter password or a customized password in the Password field.
   
   NOTE: On later versions of the SBG6700-AC, the Wi-Fi Security Key is used as the default admin password printed on the bottom white label.  For assistance with Web Manager Access, refer to article # 18754 – SBG6700-AC: Web Manager Access.
   
   
    
5. Click the Login button.  The Home page will appear.
   
   
    
6. On the Home page, click on Manage Wi-Fi Network.  The Wireless - Primary Network Settings page will appear.
   
   
    
7. On the Wireless - Primary Network Settings page:
   a.  Choose the desired wireless frequency to modify (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), as shown in the green box.
   
   NOTE 1: Choosing the Wireless Interface only determines which frequency settings are desired to be modified.  The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies are already enabled simultaneously by default.
   
   NOTE 2: The 2.4 GHz frequency supports 802.11 b/g/n wireless clients, while the 5.0 GHz frequency supports 802.11n wireless clients only.  802.11n devices will generally perform better in the 5GHz range.
   
   NOTE 3: In this example, the 2.4 GHz frequency has been selected to modify.
   
   b.   Network Name (SSID) - Delete the current name, and enter the desired name for the wireless network.
   c.   Click the Apply button.
   
   

Now that the name of the wireless network has changed, the wireless devices will then need to be reconnected to the network name.  In most cases, the Wi-Fi Security Key / Passphrase (also referred to as the wireless password) will also need to be re-entered into the wireless client.  The Wi-Fi Security Key can be found on the label located at the bottom of the gateway.