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Wireless network without broadcasting SSID - How?

Spock999

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Posted July 16, 2011 at 4:23PM

Several days ago I had to change my router. The new one works OK except that I can't get the PC to link into the wireless while the SSID isn't being broadcast. Having read that it is a good idea not to broadcast the SSID for security reasons, I thought I would try it!

I am running Windows 7 home Premium and the router is a Draytek Vigor 2710 using WPA2. I can see the network when the SSID isn't being broadcast, it just refuses to connect to it. As soon as I switch on the SSID it connects like a dream. Frustrating.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

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mgmcc

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Posted July 16, 2011 at 8:19PM

Go into the "Network and Sharing Centre" and click the link at the left to "Manage Wireless Networks". Double click the entry that matches your network (SSID) to open its Properties sheet. In the Connection tab, make sure the box is ticked for Connect even if the network is not broadcasting its name (SSID).

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Spock999

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Posted July 17, 2011 at 10:12PM

I checked and that setting was already as you suggest. I will do a bit more testing tomorrow when I am home by myself and won't affect other family members using the network.

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Ashrich

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Posted July 19, 2011 at 1:07AM

Personally I wouldn't bother hiding the SSID , it does nothing for your security ( anyone wanting to hack you wouldn't be put off by this ) but it does make it annoyingly difficult for anyone trying to set up a nearby network who won't know to avoid the channel you are using and , as you have laready found out , it can cause connection problems . 

 Ashley
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