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GeoffW · 26-02-2005, 12:29

I think a lot of these articles have missed the point about one of the reasons for SSID broadcasts. Wifi uses a shared spectrum, and broadcasting your SSID "stakes your claim" on those slots in your area. This may to too strong a phrase but the SSID at least tells others you are around and were there first.

Anyone who doesn't broadcast it should not be surprised if they get interference when other people set up their own network. There are much better ways than turning off your SSID to secure your network (WEP, WPA and MAC filtering).

For home networks I don't see a problem broadcasting it if you take these other precautions.

26-02-2005, 12:29	#11
GeoffW Inactive Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Reading Posts: 256	Re: wireless ssid broadcast I think a lot of these articles have missed the point about one of the reasons for SSID broadcasts. Wifi uses a shared spectrum, and broadcasting your SSID "stakes your claim" on those slots in your area. This may to too strong a phrase but the SSID at least tells others you are around and were there first. Anyone who doesn't broadcast it should not be surprised if they get interference when other people set up their own network. There are much better ways than turning off your SSID to secure your network (WEP, WPA and MAC filtering). For home networks I don't see a problem broadcasting it if you take these other precautions.