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How to connect laptop to hidden home wireless router
edspyhill091
Enthusiast - Level 3

Is it possible to turn off my SSID and still have a device connect to my wireless?  I set up my wireless router with SSID off, and listed 2 MAC addresses to allow.  My laptop cannot connect to this hidden network.

Can anyone point me to some docs and howtos?

Ed T.

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Correct answers
Re: How to connect laptop to hidden home wireless router
gs0b
Super User
Super User

If security is what you're after, hidden SSIDs and MAC filters are like locking your door with Scotch tape.

What you want to do is enable the highest security your devices support, ideally WPA2.

Don't bother with WEP, it's like using masking tape to  lock your door.

Once you have WPA2 enabled, there is no need to use MAC filters or hide your SSID.

Enjoy.

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Re: How to connect laptop to hidden home wireless router
gs0b
Super User
Super User

If security is what you're after, hidden SSIDs and MAC filters are like locking your door with Scotch tape.

What you want to do is enable the highest security your devices support, ideally WPA2.

Don't bother with WEP, it's like using masking tape to  lock your door.

Once you have WPA2 enabled, there is no need to use MAC filters or hide your SSID.

Enjoy.

Re: How to connect laptop to hidden home wireless router
edspyhill091
Enthusiast - Level 3

Thanks.  I have the wireless configured with WPA2.  I feel better about my wireless configuration now.

Ed T.

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