Turn off SSID broadcast

in win2k with linksys wireless wrt54g and matching card
(wmp54g I think), I could turn off the Broadcast SSID
in the router, and the card would continue to connect
to that network.

running XP, same setup, as soon as I turn off Broadcast
SSID, bang, no more connection.

How can I make it work with Broadcast SSID off
under XP? change something specific on the card
properties or in windows XP?


Thanks Tons
James

Hi
Using Win XP Wireless Zero Configuration you need the SSID to Broadcast.
In addition there is No real reason to switch Off Broadcasting the SSID.
http://www.ezlan.net/faq#ssid
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"James" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:YcydnbhHssW9EXrYnZ2dnUVZ_ragnZ2d@wideopenwest .com...
> in win2k with linksys wireless wrt54g and matching card
> (wmp54g I think), I could turn off the Broadcast SSID
> in the router, and the card would continue to connect
> to that network.
>
> running XP, same setup, as soon as I turn off Broadcast
> SSID, bang, no more connection.
>
> How can I make it work with Broadcast SSID off
> under XP? change something specific on the card
> properties or in windows XP?
>
>
> Thanks Tons
> James
>

I dissagree. Turning off the ssid broadcast is just one more
excellent security measure that prevents nosy neighbors and wardrivers
from even seeing the presence of a wireless network in the
first place, since it is continually advertising.

too bad wireless zero requires it.
someone at Microsoft ought to think about that,
because I know for a fact that it is possible
to connnect without it (as long as nothing changes) under win2k,

which was a plus.

thanks Jack.

James


"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi
> Using Win XP Wireless Zero Configuration you need the SSID to Broadcast.
> In addition there is No real reason to switch Off Broadcasting the SSID.
> http://www.ezlan.net/faq#ssid
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
> "James" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:YcydnbhHssW9EXrYnZ2dnUVZ_ragnZ2d@wideopenwest .com...
>> in win2k with linksys wireless wrt54g and matching card
>> (wmp54g I think), I could turn off the Broadcast SSID
>> in the router, and the card would continue to connect
>> to that network.
>>
>> running XP, same setup, as soon as I turn off Broadcast
>> SSID, bang, no more connection.
>>
>> How can I make it work with Broadcast SSID off
>> under XP? change something specific on the card
>> properties or in windows XP?
>>
>>
>> Thanks Tons
>> James
>>
>
>

Hi James,
I agree with Jack on this that turning the SSID Broadcast ON or OFF doesn't
make you secure or Less secure.
Which make you secure or less secure is the Safe hex and the encryption
method you are using on your Wireless network.
Stronger Encryption Key can't be guessed the more secure your network from
been broken into. It does not mean you will mention your name in an open
space the crowds will not notice you!.

Are you using an Encryption method to protect your connection?.
And do you use the wireless Management Utility from the Manufacturer of the
wireless Card or windows Wireless Management Utility (WZC), I know you are
talking about Windows wireless Utility but did you install your wireless card
manufacturer Software to manage your wireless?.
HTH.
Let us know.
nass
-----
www.nasstec.co.uk

"James" wrote:

> I dissagree. Turning off the ssid broadcast is just one more
> excellent security measure that prevents nosy neighbors and wardrivers
> from even seeing the presence of a wireless network in the
> first place, since it is continually advertising.
>
> too bad wireless zero requires it.
> someone at Microsoft ought to think about that,
> because I know for a fact that it is possible
> to connnect without it (as long as nothing changes) under win2k,
>
> which was a plus.
>
> thanks Jack.
>
> James
>
>
> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> > Hi
> > Using Win XP Wireless Zero Configuration you need the SSID to Broadcast.
> > In addition there is No real reason to switch Off Broadcasting the SSID.
> > http://www.ezlan.net/faq#ssid
> > Jack (MVP-Networking).
> >
> > "James" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> > news:YcydnbhHssW9EXrYnZ2dnUVZ_ragnZ2d@wideopenwest .com...
> >> in win2k with linksys wireless wrt54g and matching card
> >> (wmp54g I think), I could turn off the Broadcast SSID
> >> in the router, and the card would continue to connect
> >> to that network.
> >>
> >> running XP, same setup, as soon as I turn off Broadcast
> >> SSID, bang, no more connection.
> >>
> >> How can I make it work with Broadcast SSID off
> >> under XP? change something specific on the card
> >> properties or in windows XP?
> >>
> >>
> >> Thanks Tons
> >> James
> >>
> >
> >
>
>
>

WZC doesn't absolutely, positively, "require" broadcast SSID, but doing
so avoids problems, for example, disconnecting from the "hidden" network
to connect to a less-preferred network that is not "hidden." And yes,
it is certainly possible to setup a WinXP wireless client to connect to
a network with a non-broadcast SSID.

Read the MS TechNet article that is linked at the page to which Jack
cited for a description of why "turning off the ssid broadcast" is NOT
"an excellent security measure" and why the presence of the network is
still continuously advertised (by the client, not the AP).

James wrote:
> I dissagree. Turning off the ssid broadcast is just one more
> excellent security measure that prevents nosy neighbors and wardrivers
> from even seeing the presence of a wireless network in the
> first place, since it is continually advertising.
>
> too bad wireless zero requires it.
> someone at Microsoft ought to think about that,
> because I know for a fact that it is possible
> to connnect without it (as long as nothing changes) under win2k,
>
> which was a plus.
>
> thanks Jack.
>
> James
>
>
> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Hi
>> Using Win XP Wireless Zero Configuration you need the SSID to Broadcast.
>> In addition there is No real reason to switch Off Broadcasting the SSID.
>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq#ssid
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>
>> "James" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:YcydnbhHssW9EXrYnZ2dnUVZ_ragnZ2d@wideopenwest .com...
>>> in win2k with linksys wireless wrt54g and matching card
>>> (wmp54g I think), I could turn off the Broadcast SSID
>>> in the router, and the card would continue to connect
>>> to that network.
>>>
>>> running XP, same setup, as soon as I turn off Broadcast
>>> SSID, bang, no more connection.
>>>
>>> How can I make it work with Broadcast SSID off
>>> under XP? change something specific on the card
>>> properties or in windows XP?
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks Tons
>>> James
>>>
>>
>
>


--
Lem MS MVP -- Networking

To the moon and back with 64 Kbits of RAM and 512 Kbits of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer

If you apply the following 2 updates to XP SP2 then there is then an option
in the GUI to 'connect even if SSID is not broadcast'

KB893357 -
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
KB917021 -
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-F7FC20195769

Not broadcasting the SSID is NOT a real security measure though....

HTH
Andy

"nass" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:6A21D9A3-0CDA-486B-B5B6-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi James,
> I agree with Jack on this that turning the SSID Broadcast ON or OFF
> doesn't
> make you secure or Less secure.
> Which make you secure or less secure is the Safe hex and the encryption
> method you are using on your Wireless network.
> Stronger Encryption Key can't be guessed the more secure your network from
> been broken into. It does not mean you will mention your name in an open
> space the crowds will not notice you!.
>
> Are you using an Encryption method to protect your connection?.
> And do you use the wireless Management Utility from the Manufacturer of
> the
> wireless Card or windows Wireless Management Utility (WZC), I know you are
> talking about Windows wireless Utility but did you install your wireless
> card
> manufacturer Software to manage your wireless?.
> HTH.
> Let us know.
> nass
> -----
> www.nasstec.co.uk
>
> "James" wrote:
>
>> I dissagree. Turning off the ssid broadcast is just one more
>> excellent security measure that prevents nosy neighbors and wardrivers
>> from even seeing the presence of a wireless network in the
>> first place, since it is continually advertising.
>>
>> too bad wireless zero requires it.
>> someone at Microsoft ought to think about that,
>> because I know for a fact that it is possible
>> to connnect without it (as long as nothing changes) under win2k,
>>
>> which was a plus.
>>
>> thanks Jack.
>>
>> James
>>
>>
>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> > Hi
>> > Using Win XP Wireless Zero Configuration you need the SSID to
>> > Broadcast.
>> > In addition there is No real reason to switch Off Broadcasting the
>> > SSID.
>> > http://www.ezlan.net/faq#ssid
>> > Jack (MVP-Networking).
>> >
>> > "James" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> > news:YcydnbhHssW9EXrYnZ2dnUVZ_ragnZ2d@wideopenwest .com...
>> >> in win2k with linksys wireless wrt54g and matching card
>> >> (wmp54g I think), I could turn off the Broadcast SSID
>> >> in the router, and the card would continue to connect
>> >> to that network.
>> >>
>> >> running XP, same setup, as soon as I turn off Broadcast
>> >> SSID, bang, no more connection.
>> >>
>> >> How can I make it work with Broadcast SSID off
>> >> under XP? change something specific on the card
>> >> properties or in windows XP?
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Thanks Tons
>> >> James
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>>

GMAN wrote:

>
> But if they dont even see you are there, they wont try to hack into
> you. There
> is no real reason SSID Boradcast needs to be on period.

-------------
There are programs, which will show you the SSID, even if it's not
broadcast.
Don't rely on the hackers not to see you.

WPA and later [WPA2 etc] and a long, random, mixed security string is your
best method of protection.

"GMAN" wrote:

> In article <6A21D9A3-0CDA-486B-B5B6-(E-Mail Removed)>, =?Utf-8?B?bmFzcw==?= <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
> >Hi James,
> >I agree with Jack on this that turning the SSID Broadcast ON or OFF doesn't
> >make you secure or Less secure.
> >Which make you secure or less secure is the Safe hex and the encryption
> >method you are using on your Wireless network.
> >Stronger Encryption Key can't be guessed the more secure your network from
> >been broken into. It does not mean you will mention your name in an open
> >space the crowds will not notice you!.
> >
>
> But if they dont even see you are there, they wont try to hack into you. There
> is no real reason SSID Boradcast needs to be on period. Comeon microsoft!!!
> Damnit!

Believe me if a hacker with a good range Antenna and good Software not just
discover your SSID but can Crack your Encryption in a matter of minute but
after dropping a packet to open a port to have access to your Network (War
drive) and you will never know he/she have been there unless by any chance
or security software discovered a hole in your security.
SSID does nothing to secure you in either Broadcasted or not Broadcasted,
the only security is the Encryption method you are implementing in your
network.


> >Are you using an Encryption method to protect your connection?.
> >And do you use the wireless Management Utility from the Manufacturer of the
> >wireless Card or windows Wireless Management Utility (WZC), I know you are
> >talking about Windows wireless Utility but did you install your wireless card
> >manufacturer Software to manage your wireless?.
> >HTH.
> >Let us know.
> >nass
> >-----
> >www.nasstec.co.uk
> >
> >"James" wrote:
> >
> >> I dissagree. Turning off the ssid broadcast is just one more
> >> excellent security measure that prevents nosy neighbors and wardrivers
> >> from even seeing the presence of a wireless network in the
> >> first place, since it is continually advertising.
> >>
> >> too bad wireless zero requires it.
> >> someone at Microsoft ought to think about that,
> >> because I know for a fact that it is possible
> >> to connnect without it (as long as nothing changes) under win2k,
> >>
> >> which was a plus.
> >>
> >> thanks Jack.
> >>
> >> James
> >>
> >>
> >> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> >> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> >> > Hi
> >> > Using Win XP Wireless Zero Configuration you need the SSID to Broadcast.
> >> > In addition there is No real reason to switch Off Broadcasting the SSID.
> >> > http://www.ezlan.net/faq#ssid
> >> > Jack (MVP-Networking).
> >> >
> >> > "James" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> >> > news:YcydnbhHssW9EXrYnZ2dnUVZ_ragnZ2d@wideopenwest .com...
> >> >> in win2k with linksys wireless wrt54g and matching card
> >> >> (wmp54g I think), I could turn off the Broadcast SSID
> >> >> in the router, and the card would continue to connect
> >> >> to that network.
> >> >>
> >> >> running XP, same setup, as soon as I turn off Broadcast
> >> >> SSID, bang, no more connection.
> >> >>
> >> >> How can I make it work with Broadcast SSID off
> >> >> under XP? change something specific on the card
> >> >> properties or in windows XP?
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> Thanks Tons
> >> >> James
> >> >>
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >>
>

GMAN <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

<snip>

> But if they dont even see you are there, they wont try to hack into you. There
> is no real reason SSID Boradcast needs to be on period. Comeon microsoft!!!
> Damnit!

Whenever at station (a pc with a wireless card) - like the owner who
knows the SSID - associates with (connects to) the access point, the
SSID is broadcast in the clear and will be discovered.

There is no secuirity what so ever in not broadcasting SSID. And not
broadcasting can very well lead to unnecessary wireless network clouding
on default channels.

In article <1huekro.9rc9tu1pxro7kN%(E-Mail Removed)>,
(E-Mail Removed) says...

> There is no secuirity what so ever in not broadcasting
> SSID. And not broadcasting can very well lead to
> unnecessary wireless network clouding on default
> channels.

Exactly. I make a point of broadcasting my SSID. I want
everyone else in the neighborhood to know I'm here on
channel 11. Hopefully that will encourage them to use
another channel.

Turning off broadcasting will help prevent your neighbor
from inadvertently hooking up to your network, but only if
your router is running wide open, which it shouldn't be.