Linksys WRT54G & WUSB54 SSID problem

[goblin]

Hi,

I have the following 2 pieces of equipment as described in the subject line. A WRT54G Broadband Router which is connected via a wire to this system. I have just added a 'htpc' or multimedia pc which is connected via a Linksys WUSB54 (it's a usb plug).

When I was first sugested the router, I was sugested to turn off SSID from being broadcast, which I duly did and found that thankfully nobody could discover my wireless network (used with 2 laptops). However, since installing WinXP MCE on the htpc connecting to the internet via the Linksys WUSB54, I find I have to enable my SSID. Otherwise WinXP MCE doesn't see the network and half of its functionality (tv guide & internet access) will not function. It just tells me 'a network connection is unplugged'

Is there anyway that I can get WinXP MCE 2005 to 'see' my network without having to broadcast my SSID?

Thank you for your sugestions.

[Richy99]

if the network is secure why worry if people know you have the wireless network?

[goblin]

Because I don't know if it is secure, I knew it was secure when the SSID was dissabled. However, now it has to be enabled for WinXP MCE 2005 to see the network, I'm not so sure.

[Aragorn]

Having a hidden SSID does not affect security - anyone who wanted to hack into a network would be able to get around a hidden SSID.
What provides security is encryption, preferably WPA or WPA2, which should be supported by the WRT54G, WUSB54 & XP MCE.
If you have WPA enabled I would leave the SSID broadcast on.

[goblin]

Originally Posted by Aragorn

Having a hidden SSID does not affect security - anyone who wanted to hack into a network would be able to get around a hidden SSID.
What provides security is encryption, preferably WPA or WPA2, which should be supported by the WRT54G, WUSB54 & XP MCE.
If you have WPA enabled I would leave the SSID broadcast on.

Ok, that makes more sense. Thank you.

However, I have another problem related to this. In my local vicinity, I have a neighbour who also has a router, also protected using wpsk and broadcasting their ssid. I draw this conclusion as I can see their network, just not connect without a 'key'. Unfortunately for me, WinXP MCE 2005 and the associated WUSB54 dongle can see the network and insists upon redetecting it every 5 minutes or so, tries to connect, fails then informs me. Disconnects my network, tries again and informs me my 'network connection has failed'. I've been trying to listen to online radio and its driving me nuts! As I can't listen for longer than 5 minutes without a 'blip ... network connection failed'.

I see the way forward as dissabling SSID. However, if I do that I can't detect the network at all and WinXP MCE 2005 can't download its 'guide data' or connect to the internet at all.

Any hope of saving my sanity?

[Aragorn]

It might be this other network is either stronger and/or sharing the same wireless channel.
On the MCE box, make sure your network is on the 'prefered networks' list, at the top.
On the router, change the channel to one of the extremes eg ch 1 or 13.
See if either change helps.

[Gareth]

Channels 1, 6 and 11 are preferable - if available - as they are the only ones that don't overlap with other channels. Unfortunately, they're also the ones that most APs are configured to use by default.