What Are the Forms of Network Names?

What Are the Forms of Network Names?

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What Are the Forms of Network Names?

Network names are text strings that refer to a computer network

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 18, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Service Set Identifier SSID Windows Workgroups & Domains Clusters Network vs DNS Names of Computers A network name is a text string that devices use to reference a particular computer network. These strings are separate from the names of individual devices and the addresses they use to identify each other. Network names take several forms. PM Images / Getty Images

Service Set Identifier SSID

Wi-Fi networks support Service Set Identifier (SSID), a type of network name. Wi-Fi access points and clients are each assigned an SSID to identify one another. In everyday conversation, wireless network names typically refer to SSIDs. Wireless broadband routers and wireless access points establish wireless networks using SSIDs. At the time of their manufacture, these devices are configured with default SSIDs (network names) at the factory. Change the default name for your devices to prevent unauthorized access and other security problems.

Windows Workgroups and Domains

Microsoft Windows assigns computers to named workgroups to facilitate peer-to-peer networking. Alternatively, Windows domains segregate computers into named subnetworks. Windows workgroup and domain names are both set separately from the names of each computer and function independently from SSIDs.

Clusters

Another distinct form of network naming is used to identify computer clusters. For example, most server operating systems (for example, Microsoft Windows Server) support the independent naming of clusters. Clusters are sets of computers that work as a single system.

Network vs DNS Names of Computers

IT professionals often refer to computer names that are maintained in the Domain Name System (DNS) as network names, even though these aren't technically names of networks. For example, a computer might be named TEELA and belong to the a.b.com domain. The DNS knows this computer as TEELA.a.b.com and advertises that name to other devices. Some people refer to this expanded DNS representation as the computer's network name. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What to Do When Windows 11 Can't Connect to a Network Should You Change the Default Name (SSID) of a Wireless Router? What Is a Service Set Identifier (SSID)? DNS Servers: What Are They and Why Are They Used? How to Set Up a Router How to Fix an Xbox That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi Using Workgroups in Computer Networking Essential Settings for Home Network Routers How to Find Your Wi-Fi Network Name How to Change a Network Name in Windows 11 What Is a Hostname? (Host Name Definition) How to Hide Your Modem and Router How to Use Chromecast Without Wi-Fi How to Change a Wi-Fi Network Name How to Kick People off Your Wi-Fi What Is a Network Security Key and How Do You Find It? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
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