7.2 SSID
SSID is short for "Service Set Identifier." SSID is the name for a Wi-Fi network. An SSID is a unique ID that consists of 32 characters and is used for naming wireless networks. When multiple wireless networks overlap in a certain location, SSIDs make sure that data gets sent to the correct destination. On the AP, the network is associated with a MAC address. This network or workgroup that your clients connect to is called a Service Set Identifier (SSID). So on an AP, the SSID is a combination of MAC address and network name. This MAC address can be that of the wireless radio or another MAC address generated on the AP. When an AP offers service for only one network, it is called a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). APs offer the ability to use more than one SSID. This would let you offer a Guest Network and a Corporate Network and still use the same AP. When the AP has more than one network, it is called a Multiple Basic Service Set Identifier (MBSSID). It offers service for multiple networks, but it’s the same hardware. Because it’s the same hardware and the same frequency range, users on one network share with users on another and can collide if they send at the same time.
