What does SSID stand for in networking?

SSID stands for Service Set Identifier in networking. It serves as a unique name that identifies a wireless network. This identifier allows devices to connect to the appropriate network among potentially several available connections in an area.

When a user wants to connect to Wi-Fi, they typically see a list of SSIDs displayed as the names of the networks. Each SSID is associated with a specific access point, and selecting an SSID enables the device to join that particular wireless network.

Understanding the concept of SSID is vital for managing wireless networks, as it is key to network identification, access control, and ensuring users connect to the correct network without interference from others.