Wireless Network In Stealth Mode

More and more people are putting wireless routers into their homes or places of business. I myself use one so that I can use my notebook computer out in the living room and go online. However, anybody who is searching for a wireless network will know that you will get a list of networks identified by their name. This name that you see is called the Service Set Identifier (SSID). In order for you to see that SSID on your screen, obviously the router is broadcasting it. And if you can see it, so can anybody else poking around looking for wireless networks to tap into. Most wireless routers and access points provide an option to stop broadcasting the SSID. It is on, by default. However, disabling the broadcast will mean you can use the network if you happen to know the SSID, but people just sniffing for wireless networks to use will not be able to see it.

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2 comments

  1. But does it show up without a name in netstumbler or the windows wifi applet?

  2. Katie Forrester /

    Help desperately needed!

    I have an external Wireless card and a wireless router. Everything was working fine (internet wise)and I decided to re-format my hard drive and re-install Windows XP. After I had finished the wireless card will not connect to the internet. It can see thenetwork but will not connect.

    I thought the card may have broken so I borrowed a friend and this doesn’t work either. Other people in my household can access the wireless router and get online with no issues.

    I can get on with an ethernet cable but just not wirelessly!

    Any ideas? I’m going out of my mind trying to work out what is causing it!

    Thanks very much

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