BSSID

What is a BSSID?

BSSID stands for Basic Service Set Identifier. It's a unique address (like a MAC address) that identifies a specific WiFi access point. While the network name (SSID) you see when connecting to WiFi can be shared by multiple access points, each one has its own BSSID.

Think of it like a store chain: all locations might share the same name (SSID), but each physical store has its own unique address (BSSID). This matters because you might be connected to "HomeWiFi" but the specific access point—the router in your office versus the mesh node in your bedroom—makes a big difference.

Why it matters

Knowing which specific access point you're connected to helps diagnose problems. If you have a mesh network or multiple access points sharing the same network name, problems might only occur with one of them.

The BSSID also helps track when your device switches between access points. These handoffs sometimes cause brief disconnections or slowdowns. If you notice problems happening repeatedly, checking the BSSID can reveal if it's always the same access point causing trouble.

What you can do

• Stay closer to one access point during important calls to avoid roaming
• Check if problems only happen when connected to a specific BSSID
• For mesh networks, ensure all nodes have the latest firmware
• Consider adjusting mesh node placement if one access point consistently has issues
• Some devices let you manually select which access point to connect to
• If frequent roaming causes problems, your access points may be spaced too far apart

What Network Weather shows you

Network Weather displays the BSSID of your current WiFi connection and tracks changes over time.