Wifiti

A portable messaging system that allows users to “tag” the airspace by renaming Wi-Fi network names (SSIDs).

After spending a day walking through New York City recording Wi-Fi network names, I noticed that SSID naming patterns often reflected the demographics of a neighborhood—such as the predominant language or median age. This observation inspired me to create a system that would encourage more intentional and expressive use of this otherwise overlooked communication space.

Wifiti is a battery-powered router running a customized version of open-source firmware. When a laptop or smartphone scans for available Wi-Fi networks within range, they see a list topped by a network called CHANGE THIS MESSAGE NOW! along with a set of related SSIDs (Figure 5.2). If a user connects to any of them, their browser is redirected to a website hosted locally on the router. There, they can edit three of the network names (Figure 5.3).

The system preserves the display order of SSIDs, enabling users to “tag” the local airspace with messages approximately the same length as tweets. These messages become visible to anyone nearby who scans for Wi-Fi networks.

Wifiti was deployed in cafés throughout New York City, where in several cases it prompted spontaneous and ongoing public interaction.