BSSID vs. SSID

Attribute	BSSID	SSID
Definition	Basic Service Set Identifier	Service Set Identifier
Unique Identifier	Unique identifier for a basic service set in a wireless network	Unique identifier for a wireless network
Physical Address	MAC address of the access point	N/A
Used in	Used in 802.11 networks	Used in 802.11 networks

Introduction

When it comes to setting up a wireless network, two key terms that often come up are BSSID and SSID. Both of these play important roles in ensuring a smooth and secure wireless connection. In this article, we will compare the attributes of BSSID and SSID to understand their differences and similarities.

SSID

SSID stands for Service Set Identifier, and it is essentially the name of your wireless network. When you set up a wireless router, you are prompted to choose an SSID, which is what users will see when they search for available networks to connect to. The SSID is what users select when they want to connect to your network, and it is what distinguishes your network from others in the vicinity.

One key attribute of the SSID is that it is visible to anyone within range of your network. This means that when someone searches for available networks, they will see the SSID of your network along with others in the area. This visibility can be both a pro and a con, as it makes it easy for users to find and connect to your network, but it also makes your network more vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Another attribute of the SSID is that it can be hidden. This means that you can configure your router to not broadcast the SSID, making it invisible to users searching for networks. While this may seem like a good security measure, it is important to note that hiding the SSID does not provide strong security and can actually make it more difficult for legitimate users to connect to the network.

Overall, the SSID is a crucial component of a wireless network as it is what users interact with when connecting to the network. It serves as the identifier that distinguishes your network from others, and its visibility can impact both convenience and security.

BSSID

BSSID stands for Basic Service Set Identifier, and it is a unique identifier assigned to each wireless access point or router in a wireless network. While the SSID is the name of the network that users see, the BSSID is a unique identifier that is used internally by the network to distinguish between different access points.

One key attribute of the BSSID is that it is a MAC address. MAC addresses are unique identifiers assigned to network interfaces, and they are used to identify devices on a network. The BSSID is essentially the MAC address of the wireless access point, which allows devices to communicate with the correct access point in a network with multiple access points.

Another attribute of the BSSID is that it is not visible to users when they search for available networks. While users see the SSID of a network, they do not see the BSSID. This means that the BSSID is more of a behind-the-scenes identifier that helps devices connect to the correct access point without users needing to interact with it directly.

Overall, the BSSID plays a crucial role in the functioning of a wireless network by providing a unique identifier for each access point. While users may not interact directly with the BSSID, it is essential for ensuring that devices connect to the correct access point in a network with multiple access points.

Comparison

When comparing the attributes of BSSID and SSID, it is clear that they serve different purposes in a wireless network. The SSID is the visible name of the network that users interact with when connecting, while the BSSID is the unique identifier assigned to each access point for internal network communication.

• Visibility: The SSID is visible to users when they search for available networks, while the BSSID is not visible to users.
• Function: The SSID is what users select when they want to connect to a network, while the BSSID is used internally by devices to communicate with the correct access point.
• Security: Hiding the SSID can provide a false sense of security, while the BSSID being a MAC address adds a layer of security by ensuring devices connect to the correct access point.

In conclusion, both BSSID and SSID are important components of a wireless network, each serving a unique purpose in ensuring smooth and secure connectivity. Understanding the attributes of both can help network administrators make informed decisions when setting up and managing wireless networks.