How to Hide Your SSID
Every wireless router comes with a default Service Set Identifier, which identifies your wireless network. During the initial router setup, you can rename the SSID to change it from the default "linksys" or "netgear" name that comes standard with most Linksys and Netgear routers. Hiding your SSID may not deter hackers from "sniffing" your network and catching your wireless signals. According to Microsoft technical writer Joe Davies, hiding the SSID is no substitution for network authentication or encryption. On the other hand, most casual users -- such as neighbors and any visitors you have -- won't be able to find your network if you hide your SSID.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Type the IP address of your wireless router into the Internet browser's address bar and press "Enter." Enter the password set for the router's admin page, then press "Enter" or click "OK" to proceed.
-
2
Click to the "wireless" or "security" section of the router administration page. Look for the setting listed as "SSID Broadcast" or a similar phrase. Select the "Disable" or "Off" option or remove the check mark from the "Enable SSID Broadcast" field. The phrasing varies for each router model.
-
-
3
Click the "Save" button to save the settings. Log out of your router's admin page.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you don't know your router's IP address, open a Windows Command Prompt box, type "ipconfig" and press "Enter"; the "Default Gateway" listed is the IP address you type in your browser's address bar.
While hiding your SSID, enable the strongest encryption method your wireless router supports and set a password for it to have an even more secure network.
Many home routers come with standard IP addresses of either "192.168.1.1" or "192.168.0.1."
References
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
