Enable Broadcast SSID

S

Sam

How do I enable the SSID Broadcast option in Windows XP?
I've looked in the Network Connection folder for the
wireless connection that I'm using but I don't see it.
 
L

Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]

In addition to Richard's answer, which is correct, one of the first things
you ought to do when setting up a WAP is to *disable* SSID broadcast. Then
change the admin password, force 128-bit WEP or even better use WPA, etc.
 
S

Sooner Al

There really is no good reason, IMO, to disable broadcast of the network SSID and you simply cause
more problems than it is worth. There are tools that one can use to discover the SSID, Kismet is an
example, even if it is being cloaked. Your much better off using WPA, strong encryption, strong
passwords, etc...whatever your firmware/hardware supports... Personally I use WPA-PSK (TKIP) with a
long random key with my IPAQ 5555 and Buffalo WBR-G54 wireless access point/router.

--
Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the mutual benefit of all of us...
The MS-MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights...
 
L

Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]

Well, it won't keep out anyone with sufficient skills or dedication, but it
will help keep out the lazy. I don't see that it causes any problems to
disable broadcast in *addition* to the other things you mention....

Sooner said:
There really is no good reason, IMO, to disable broadcast of the
network SSID and you simply cause more problems than it is worth.
There are tools that one can use to discover the SSID, Kismet is an
example, even if it is being cloaked. Your much better off using WPA,
strong encryption, strong passwords, etc...whatever your
firmware/hardware supports... Personally I use WPA-PSK (TKIP) with a
long random key with my IPAQ 5555 and Buffalo WBR-G54 wireless access
point/router.


"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
In addition to Richard's answer, which is correct, one of the first
things you ought to do when setting up a WAP is to *disable* SSID
broadcast. Then change the admin password, force 128-bit WEP or even
better use WPA, etc.
 
S

Steve Winograd [MVP]

Exchange] said:
Well, it won't keep out anyone with sufficient skills or dedication, but it
will help keep out the lazy. I don't see that it causes any problems to
disable broadcast in *addition* to the other things you mention....

Unfortunately, disabling SSID broadcast can cause problems with XP's
Wireless Zero Configuration service:

Your Computer Connects to an Access Point That Broadcasts Its SSID
Instead of an Access Point That Does Not Broadcast its SSID
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=811427
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
L

Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]

Steve said:
Exchange] said:
Well, it won't keep out anyone with sufficient skills or dedication,
but it will help keep out the lazy. I don't see that it causes any
problems to disable broadcast in *addition* to the other things you
mention....

Unfortunately, disabling SSID broadcast can cause problems with XP's
Wireless Zero Configuration service:

Ah. Well, I haven't used that yet, so perhaps that's why I haven't run into
problems. Duly noted!
 

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