Disable SSID broadcast, lose WIFI Connection?

[random omen]

I wonder if I am overlooking something when I create my new network connection. I go: Settings > Wi-Fi Network > Add Wi-Fi Network > type in SSID, key, and select proper security.

I disable SSID broadcast out of my desire to have a simple deterrence. I realize my wireless network could still be sniffed out if anyone tried. I live in a large building where plenty of people leave their network SSID broadcasting, so rather than be one of the many who are easily discoverable, I take the one extra step to be secure. It may sound like a tiny thing but I live next to people I do not know and the lowest fruit is always picked first, per se. Now that being said.... I have my SSID broadcasting now so my Evo 4Gs have WIFI

[biscodude]

The reason it is pointless it because at this point, WPA2 is unbreakable. It doesn't matter who can see it, unless they know your key, they aren't getting in.

Since you live in a large building, I recommend you download an app called wifi analyzer. It will show which channel has the least interference so can get the most out of your wifi network.

[Boo Boo]

Originally Posted by biscodude

The reason it is pointless it because at this point, WPA2 is unbreakable. It doesn't matter who can see it, unless they know your key, they aren't getting in.

what world are you in? wpa2 might take a little longer but it is still unsecure

[biscodude]

WPA can be broken in about 10 minutes, but I have not read anyone breaking WPA2 in any reasonable amount of time.

Anyway, if you are dealing with a hacker who is willing to try breaking WPA2 (good luck), I'm sure they can find a hidden network in half a second.

[random omen]

Already got WIFI Analyzer Thanks for the tip, though! It is, indeed, very helpful.

Also: relax guys Let's not let this fall into a WLAN vs. Hacker debate. If I was *that* concerned about security I'd never set up a WLAN. All I want to do is enable my Evo 4G to connect to a "hidden" WPA2 WIFI-n network. I know I'm not the only person with this problem out there A quick google search shows that but no one seems to have a real solution for my issue.

[biscodude]

I wish I could offer you more advice, but I just setup my hidden wifi network manually and it connects every time. It's the secret external connection at work that we don't want everyone to know about. The people who work here have no idea that it's there, but even if they did, it's WPA2 so they aren't getting in.

[mr_e]

Originally Posted by random omen

Already got WIFI Analyzer Thanks for the tip, though! It is, indeed, very helpful.

Also: relax guys Let's not let this fall into a WLAN vs. Hacker debate. If I was *that* concerned about security I'd never set up a WLAN. All I want to do is enable my Evo 4G to connect to a "hidden" WPA2 WIFI-n network. I know I'm not the only person with this problem out there A quick google search shows that but no one seems to have a real solution for my issue.

You're not alone; I am in the same boat as you. I'm using a Netgear WNDR3700. I can not connect to either the G or N if the SSID is not broadcast.

[BobinBoynton]

Hello All,
I have a Motorola Devour and installed a Netgear WNDR3700 Router. I used to have a Linksys WRT-54G Router using WPA2 and had no issues with hidden SSID. As soon as I installed the New Netgear Router, no wifi connection. I finally figured out what would work: I set up the router using WEP and a 26 hexdecimal password and hidden SSID and it connected immediately. Any other security setting and no luck. Hope this helps! Not to get the hackers excited, but now comes the question which is better: Broadcast the SSID and use WPA2 or Don't Broadcast the ID and use WEP?