SSID Service Set Identifier

In Wi-Fi Wireless LAN computer networking, a service set identifier (SSID) is a code attached to all packets on a wireless network to identify each packet as part of that network. The code consists of a maximum of 32 alphanumeric characters. All wireless devices attempting to communicate with each other must share the same SSID. Apart from identifying each packet, SSID also serves to uniquely identify a group of wireless network devices used in a given "Service Set

Full definition of SSID at Wikipedia

When you're sitting in Starbucks sipping your double Espresso, you can flip open your laptop and hit VIEW WIRELESS NETWORKS and blamo! you see the network and you're surfing the Web. The router at Starbucks is broadcasting its SSID. This is a problem for numerous reasons. This is an Open network, so you may as well have someone snooping over your shoulder as you type. Someone using packet sniffing software can easily capture your passwords and Emails as they float above you invisibly.

SSIDs come set by default from the factory, also. The Linksys router you just purchased has the default SSID of "linksys." The SSID identifies your LAN, so if you decide to broadcast this info, be sure to use WPA to encrypt the data.

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