Wireless network (802.11b) Constantly being seen as a new one?

[Ed Nuxters]

I have a new Gateway P320 with the built in 802.11b and g wireless
adapter.
I have 128 bit WEB encryption set up with no problem, but in order to
get the NIC to see the connection, I had to enable the SSID broadcast
as well. When I turn off the SSID broadcast, I loose the connection.
Is there a way to "lock" the wireless NIC connection, so that I don't
have to keep SSID on?
I want to keep SSID off since I hear about people driving around
looking for wirelss access points... I have WEP, but I wouldn't mind
NOT broadcasting the fact I have this thing all over Creation.
Thanks!

 

[Carey Holzman]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811427

Carey

 

[Ed Nuxters]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811427

Carey

It is already in the preferred networks section.

 

[Carey Holzman]

Did you not read the link? Here is Microsoft's position on this (quoted from
the link)

"Disabling SSID broadcasts on an access point is not considered a valid
method for securing a wireless network. Microsoft does not reccomend this
practice for any wireless network." (yes, Microsoft spells the word
'recommend' wrong in the Knowledgebase article).

Carey

 

[Ed Nuxters]

Did you not read the link? Here is Microsoft's position on this (quoted from
the link)

"Disabling SSID broadcasts on an access point is not considered a valid
method for securing a wireless network. Microsoft does not reccomend this
practice for any wireless network." (yes, Microsoft spells the word
'recommend' wrong in the Knowledgebase article).

Carey

Microsoft is full of shit.
If they can't see my network, they won't try to hack it.

http://compnetworking.about.com/b/a/070349.htm

 

[Carey Holzman]

I'm not disagreeing with you. Microsoft's stance is similar to going to a
doctor and saying "It hurts when I do this"

and the doctor (Microsoft) in this case says "Don't do that."

 

[Richard G. Harper]

The only problem with disabling SSID is that it won't prevent anyone from
hacking your network. All it will do is deter the casual passer-by from
seeing it easily. The determined hacker will sniff packets and will soon
enough be able to deduce the SSID from the traffic on your wireless network.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Ed Nuxters]

The only problem with disabling SSID is that it won't prevent anyone from
hacking your network. All it will do is deter the casual passer-by from
seeing it easily. The determined hacker will sniff packets and will soon
enough be able to deduce the SSID from the traffic on your wireless network.

Thats fine. One more step may be a drop in the ocean, but its still
part of the ocean. Or somethig like that.

I seem to have it working. I have SSID turned off and its not giving
me any disconnect messages since I installed SP2.

 

[Richard G. Harper]

That's good news, then. Congrats!

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm