What is a bssid?

A BSSID, or Basic Service Set Identifier, is a unique identifier for a wireless access point (WAP) in a Wi-Fi network. It consists of a 48-bit MAC address (Media Access Control address) that is assigned to the network interface card of the WAP.

The BSSID is used to identify and differentiate between multiple access points within the same network. It is also used by devices to establish a connection to a specific access point, as the BSSID is broadcasted by the access point when it is in range.

In addition to the BSSID, each access point in a Wi-Fi network is also assigned a SSID (Service Set Identifier), which is a user-friendly name that is broadcasted to help users identify and connect to the network.

Overall, the BSSID plays a crucial role in the functioning of Wi-Fi networks, allowing devices to identify and connect to specific access points within the network.