A hidden wireless network is a wireless network that isn't broadcasting its network ID (SSID). Because a hidden network doesn't broadcast, your PC can't find it, so the network has to find your PC. For this to happen, your PC must broadcast both the name of the network it's looking for and its own name.
Tap on the Wireless and networks section, tap on Wi-Fi settings. Tap on Wi-Fi: Turn on Wi-Fi. Locate your wireless network name (SSID). For Windstream equipment, the wireless network name is located on the back of the router next to SSID.
In these cases, follow these steps to connect to the hidden Wi-Fi network:
- Open the Settings app and choose Wi-Fi.
- Tap the Action Overflow and choose Add Network. The item might be titled Add Wi-Fi Network.
- Type the network name into the Enter the SSID box.
- Choose the security setting.
- Type the password.
Once you have all these details handy, follow these steps to manually add a hidden wireless network:
- Open 'Settings'
- Go to 'Network and Internet'.
- Select 'Wi-Fi' from the left menu.
- Click on 'Manage Known Networks'
- Now click on 'Add a new network'
- Enter the SSID, choose the security type and enter your password.
Disabling SSID broadcast will make your Wi-FI network name invisible to other users. However, this only hides the name, not the network itself. You cannot disguise the router's activity, so it can still be attacked by hackers. With your network invisible to wireless devices, connecting becomes a bit more complicated.
SSID is simply the technical term for a network name. When you set up a wireless home network, you give it a name to distinguish it from other networks in your neighbourhood. You'll see this name when you connect your computer to your wireless network. WPA2 is a standard for wireless security.
Non-broadcast wireless networks aren't inherently less secure, but they're not more secure either. Hiding your wireless network (not broadcasting its SSID) doesn't make your network actually hidden as there are many tools that can help you find "hidden" networks, such as Kismet and inSSIDer.
The name or SSID (Service Set Identifier) of the hidden wireless network. The password used by the wireless network. The type of encryption (or security) used by the Wi-Fi network. If the network uses WEP, note the WEP key. If it is using WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK, note the Pre-shared key.
What does SSID stand for? SSID stands for "service set identifier," and it is used to uniquely identify any given wireless network. You can think of it as the IP address for a wireless network.
To unhide any hidden SSID = make it broadcast SSID: Go to Configure > WLANs. In the WLANs Section, find what you want to hide the SSID, click Edit. In the Advanced options, in the Hide SSID Section, unselect Hide SSID in Beacon Broadcasting.
For hidden networks, the SSID name is missing from beacon frames but included in Probe Response frames. Hiding an SSID does not provide true security because it only hides the network's name and not the actual network. The best way to protect one's network connection is to use methods of encryption, such as WPA/WPA2.
A Wi-Fi network's SSID is the technical term for its network name. For example, if you see a sign telling you to join a network with an SSID of “Airport WiFi”, you just need to pull up the list of wireless networks nearby and join the “Airport WiFi” network.
In addition to scanning for a camera using an RF scanner or an app, you can also scan the Wi-Fi network for any cameras that are connected to the internet. Apps like Fing or iNet let you know what devices are connected to a network.
I'll also give you three reasons why you should never hide your wireless SSID as a security measure. Since the wireless SSID is the network name but not the network password, hiding the SSID doesn't fortify your network security. Hiding your network may delay the incursion but it won't finally stop it.
When a wireless device searches the area for wireless networks it will detect the SSID to be able to associate with the router. SSID Broadcast is enabled by default however; you may also choose to disable it. Disabling the SSID Broadcast is one way of securing your wireless network.
Locate your wireless network name (SSID). For Windstream equipment, the wireless network name is located on the back of the router next to SSID. If your wireless router has it's wireless radio broadcasting it's Wi-Fi network (most have this by default), you should see your router's SSID listed on the list of networks.
Change Your Router's SSID and Disable SSID Broadcast: How to
- Log into your account.
- Open the Wireless tab to edit your wireless settings.
- Click to change your SSID to something personal.
- Disable SSID broadcast so that only people you've given your SSID to can access the network.
Turn On / Off SSID Broadcast - LTE Internet (Installed)
- Access the router configuration main menu. Refer to Access the Router Configuration for additional assistance.
- From the Top menu, click Wireless Settings.
- Click Advanced Security Settings (on the left).
- From Level 2, click SSID Broadcast.
- Select Enable or Disable then click Apply.
- If presented with a caution, click OK.
In most cases, you can follow this procedure to connect to a hidden network:
- Select Settings > Wi-Fi > Add Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the network name (SSID), security type, and password.
- Tap Connect. Your device connects to the network.
