SSID Non-Broadcast Issue

[WhiteKnight]

I want to disable the SSID broadcast on my DLink 614+ but when I do, my Orinoco Gold card can't connect. If I disable while the card is connected, it reconnects ok, but if I go connect to another AP and then come back home, the card won't connect to my home AP. I have of course specified the SSID name on my laptop. Any ideas?

 

[Tchen811]

why dont' you want to broadcast it?

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Originally posted by: Tchen811
why dont' you want to broadcast it?

Security

 

[Tchen811]

what' don't just use WEP?

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Link courtesy of JackMDS

Basically, auto broadcast sends out a signal to any wireless card within range that a wireless network exists. I just installed WinXP on my other computer that has a wireless USB adapter - WinXP automatically recognized that my existing wireless network existed, without having entered any configuration data in like Workgroup name, etc.

 

[slunk]

While not all war-driving programs fall prey to non-broadcasted SSIDs, it is still one of the first steps in securing a wireless network (first, change SSID from default). I'd rather have a miniscule percentage of people knowing I had a wireless network than anyone who could just drive by. Of course, I would then add WEP.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Active programs like netstumbler usually won't pick up non-broadcasting networks, but passive ones can.

So back to the original question. Any ideas?

 

[JackMDS]

Did you try to config. a manual IP?

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Originally posted by: WhiteKnight
Active programs like netstumbler usually won't pick up non-broadcasting networks, but passive ones can.

So back to the original question. Any ideas?

Sorry to hijack your thread. I found this thread on another forum with relatively the same problem, don't know if it helps or not:

http://www.resellerratings.com/forum/t58918.html

 

[Rkonster]

I have noticed that if you disable SSID broadbast on that router, it takes a very long time to connect when you turn the computer on. For me, it is about 30+ seconds before it connects, once it boots up.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Rkonster, hmmm... maybe I just need to wait longer. Jack, I did not have a manual IP, I'll try that too. Marshmello, no problem.

 

[nightowl]

I have a 614+ and as soon as windows is up and running I have a connection with my Dell (Lucent) wireless card. I do not have the connection lag that you are speaking of. Did you update your router to the latest firmware? I did that and I am having a lot less problems with it.

 

[Rkonster]

Originally posted by: nightowl
I have a 614+ and as soon as windows is up and running I have a connection with my Dell (Lucent) wireless card. I do not have the connection lag that you are speaking of. Did you update your router to the latest firmware? I did that and I am having a lot less problems with it.

Did you turn off SSID broadcast?

 

[ScottMac]

If you manually enter the SSID (WinXP and some clients for non-XP machines) it'll sync right up.

Broadcasting your identity is usually a bad thing, from a security standpoint; it's one less thing the bad guys have to guess.

I do have an AP that broadcasts an SSID, but it's attached to a spare machine where I keep my worms, viruses, and trojans (with names like "Wild teenage Sex."

My real wireless system is locked down pretty tight.

FWIW

Scott

 

[WhiteKnight]

See, I did manually enter the SSID and it reconnects when I disable SSID Broadcast and the router reboots, but if I return home after connecting to the network at my lab the wireless won't reconnect.