ESSID vs. SSID

Attribute	ESSID	SSID
Definition	Extended Service Set Identifier	Service Set Identifier
Usage	Used in wireless networks to identify a specific network	Used to identify a specific wireless network
Length	32 characters maximum	32 characters maximum
Security	May be hidden or encrypted	May be hidden or encrypted

Introduction

When it comes to wireless networks, the terms ESSID and SSID are often used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand. In this article, we will compare the attributes of ESSID and SSID to provide a clearer understanding of their roles in wireless networking.

Definition

SSID stands for Service Set Identifier, which is a unique identifier attached to the header of packets sent over a wireless local area network (WLAN). It is used to identify a specific WLAN network. On the other hand, ESSID stands for Extended Service Set Identifier, which is a set of multiple interconnected BSSs (Basic Service Sets) that form a single WLAN. ESSID is used in infrastructure mode to connect multiple access points to create a larger network.

Visibility

One of the key differences between ESSID and SSID is their visibility to users. SSID is the name of the wireless network that users see when they scan for available networks on their devices. It is the identifier that users select to connect to a specific network. ESSID, on the other hand, is not visible to users. It is used by access points to communicate with each other and manage the distribution of traffic within the WLAN.

Security

SSID plays a crucial role in network security. By hiding the SSID, network administrators can make the network invisible to unauthorized users. This adds an extra layer of security to the network by preventing casual users from connecting to it. ESSID, on the other hand, does not have a direct impact on network security. It is used for internal communication between access points and does not affect the visibility of the network to users.

Configuration

Configuring SSID and ESSID involves different processes. SSID configuration is typically done through the settings of the wireless router or access point. Users can change the SSID to a custom name to make it easier to identify their network. ESSID configuration, on the other hand, is more complex and is usually handled by network administrators. It involves setting up multiple access points to work together as part of a single WLAN.

Interoperability

SSID is a standardized parameter in the IEEE 802.11 wireless networking protocol, which means that all devices that comply with the standard can communicate with each other using the SSID. This ensures interoperability between different devices and access points. ESSID, on the other hand, is not a standardized parameter and is specific to certain vendor implementations. This can lead to compatibility issues when using ESSID in a mixed-vendor environment.

Scalability

When it comes to scalability, ESSID has an advantage over SSID. ESSID allows for the creation of larger WLAN networks by connecting multiple access points together. This makes it easier to expand the network coverage and accommodate more users. SSID, on the other hand, is limited to a single wireless network and does not have the same scalability as ESSID.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while ESSID and SSID are both used to identify wireless networks, they serve different purposes and have distinct attributes. SSID is the visible name of a wireless network that users connect to, while ESSID is used for internal communication between access points in a WLAN. Understanding the differences between ESSID and SSID is important for network administrators to effectively manage and secure their wireless networks.