Find the SSID on a Computer

An SSID (Service Set Identifier) is a name that identifies a particular wireless network you are connecting to. Each wireless network in your range will have its own unique name, or SSID. If the wireless network is not broadcasting the SSID, you can use a network analyzer to find it.

Steps

Finding Available SSIDs in Windows

  1. Find the Wireless icon in the System Tray. This is located in the lower-right corner of the desktop. You may have to click the "▴" button to show all the icons in the tray.
    • If you are using a laptop, ensure that the wireless is enabled. you may need to enable it by flipping a switch, or by using the Fn key.
    • If you are using a desktop and cannot see the wireless icon, your wireless card may not be properly installed, or it may be disabled. To check if your adapter is enabled, press the Windows key + R and type ncpa.cpl. Look for your wireless adapter in the connections list. If it is listed as "Disabled", right-click it and select Enable.
  2. Hover over the icon to see your current network. If you hover your mouse cursor over the wireless icon in the tray, the pop-up will display the SSID, or network name, of the wireless network you are currently connected to.
  3. Browse the available networks. Click the wireless icon. A list of all the networks in range will be displayed. Each network can be identified by the SSID, or network name.

Finding Available SSIDs in OS X

  1. Click the Wireless icon in the menu-bar. This is located in the upper-right corner of the screen, next to the volume icon.
    • Ensure that AirPort is turned on to see wireless networks. You can toggle AirPort on and off from the wireless menu.
  2. Find your current SSID. The network that you are connected to will be indicated by a checkmark "✓". The SSID is the network's name.
    • Hold the Option key when clicking the Wireless icon to see additional information about your current network.
  3. View available SSIDs. When you click the wireless menu, all the networks within range of your computer will be listed. The SSID is the network's name.

Detecting Hidden SSIDs

  1. Download a network sniffer. If you think there are hidden networks that aren't broadcasting their SSIDs, you can use a network sniffing program to find them. These programs will analyze the network and return all the SSIDs in range, including hidden ones. Popular programs include:
    • inSSIDer
    • NetStumbler (free)
    • Mac users can use the built-in Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool to perform the same functions. You can open the tool by holding down Option, clicking the Wireless icon, and selecting "Open Wireless Diagnostics".[1]
  2. Start the scanner. The process will vary depending on the program you are using, but generally scanning is one of the primary functions. The program will use your wireless card to find all of the networks that are in range, even if they are not broadcasting their SSID.
  3. Examine the results. After the scan, you will be shown a list of all the detected networks along with their SSIDs. Depending on the program you are using, you may or may not be able to see the SSID of networks that aren't broadcasting it.[2]

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Sources and Citations

  1. Jump up ↑ http://osxdaily.com/2012/07/31/wi-fi-scanner-mac-os-x-mountain-lion/
  2. Jump up ↑ http://www.tomschaefer.org/finding-hidden-ssids/
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