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    About SSID

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by ryandolph25, Nov 12, 2011.

  1. ryandolph25

    ryandolph25 Notebook Consultant

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    Hello,
    I re-configured our wireless router (WRT54G) at home, i hid the SSID so no one could see it. Besides, only 4 people including me, are allowed to access internet connection. I manually configured our respected computer to access the hidden network. Does it have a disadvantage? I mean is it more secure if i just hide it all the time? And does it affect the bandwidth by hiding the SSID?

    Please help so i could decide whether i re-configure back to SSID broadcasting or leave it at it is.
     
    ryandolph25, Nov 12, 2011
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  2. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    Hiding the SSID will do nothing for security actually, there are quite easy ways to get around a hidden SSID. It only protects you from people saying what the heck, i'll try to connect to that network, and WPA2 does just that anyways.

    The only downside to a hidden SSID is that some devices won't connect to a hidden SSID (think some smartphones for example). If all your devices can connect, you can leave it hidden and not worry about it. There are no effects on signal strength, bandwidth or whatever.
     
    tijo, Nov 13, 2011
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  3. ryandolph25

    ryandolph25 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks man. So far, most of our mobile phones can connect regardless of hidden SSID. Well, i'll just leave it hidden then.
     
    ryandolph25, Nov 20, 2011
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