Can't connect to preferred network with SSID OFF

5 Nov 2006 10:13 PM

LenC

I have a wireless network with a linksys router (four computers - 1 is wired
to router, three are wireless). When SSID Broadcast is on, everything works
fine. When I turn it off, one of my three wireless computers (call it #3)
can not detect the network, even though it is listed as a preferred network
on computer #3. As soon as I turn SSID broadcast back on, it reconnects
immediately.

Any thoughts as to why this is happening?

Thank you,
Len

5 Nov 2006 10:57 PM

David Hettel

So tell us about the wireless adapters, are they all the same model? What
about the drivers, are they the same? What about the OS, are they the same?
You might want to try the troubleshooter here: http://winhlp.com/wxnet.htm

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Show quoteHide quote

"LenC" <L***@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:84F727C5-23E4-4077-BD2C-DF78D98D50B2@microsoft.com...
>I have a wireless network with a linksys router (four computers - 1 is
>wired
> to router, three are wireless). When SSID Broadcast is on, everything
> works
> fine. When I turn it off, one of my three wireless computers (call it #3)
> can not detect the network, even though it is listed as a preferred
> network
> on computer #3. As soon as I turn SSID broadcast back on, it reconnects
> immediately.
>
> Any thoughts as to why this is happening?
>
> Thank you,
> Len
>

6 Nov 2006 12:47 AM

BobC

On Sun, 5 Nov 2006 14:13:02 -0800, LenC wrote:

> I have a wireless network with a linksys router (four computers - 1 is wired
> to router, three are wireless). When SSID Broadcast is on, everything works
> fine. When I turn it off, one of my three wireless computers (call it #3)
> can not detect the network, even though it is listed as a preferred network
> on computer #3. As soon as I turn SSID broadcast back on, it reconnects
> immediately.
>
> Any thoughts as to why this is happening?
>
> Thank you,
> Len

Not all wireless NICs will work with SSID broadcast off.

6 Nov 2006 12:58 AM

Jack (MVP-Networking).

Hi
SSID has to be On for proper work of the Wireless Clients.
There is a myth that SSID Off helps with security, but it is only a Myth.
See here, http://www.ezlan.net/faq#ssid
Jack (MVP-Networking).

Show quoteHide quote

"LenC" <L***@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:84F727C5-23E4-4077-BD2C-DF78D98D50B2@microsoft.com...
>I have a wireless network with a linksys router (four computers - 1 is
>wired
> to router, three are wireless). When SSID Broadcast is on, everything
> works
> fine. When I turn it off, one of my three wireless computers (call it #3)
> can not detect the network, even though it is listed as a preferred
> network
> on computer #3. As soon as I turn SSID broadcast back on, it reconnects
> immediately.
>
> Any thoughts as to why this is happening?
>
> Thank you,
> Len
>

6 Nov 2006 10:58 AM

Sooner Al [MVP]

In addition to the comments by the others you may be interested in
this...See the "Changes for nonbroadcast networks" section...

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=917021

With that said I agree with Jack about not disabling the SSID broadcast. It
is not a valid security measure and may actually help others avoid
broadcasting on the same channel, which can certainly cause other issues,
you are if they can see your SSID. By properly securing your network with
strong encryption, ie. WPA or WPA2, you will not have issues with others
accessing your network...

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/10907

--

Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the
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rights...

Show quoteHide quote

"LenC" <L***@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:84F727C5-23E4-4077-BD2C-DF78D98D50B2@microsoft.com...
>I have a wireless network with a linksys router (four computers - 1 is
>wired
> to router, three are wireless). When SSID Broadcast is on, everything
> works
> fine. When I turn it off, one of my three wireless computers (call it #3)
> can not detect the network, even though it is listed as a preferred
> network
> on computer #3. As soon as I turn SSID broadcast back on, it reconnects
> immediately.
>
> Any thoughts as to why this is happening?
>
> Thank you,
> Len
>