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Forum Discussion

tg12422455's avatar
tg12422455
Aspirant
Oct 29, 2024

AX600/RBK852 - is it possible to disable SSID broadcast on the main network?

Brand new system, firmware was upgraded to the latest (V7.2.6.31_5.0.24).  Everything works fine, but I want to disable broadcast of SSID of the main network.  Going through various web searches, it ...
FURRYe38's avatar
FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Oct 29, 2024

Main WIFI radios can not be disabled on Orbi MESH systems. Would cause RBS to disconnect. Intended design of Orbi MESH systems is to have wifi running 24/7.

 

That information may pertain to non mesh router systems. 

  • tg12422455's avatar
    tg12422455
    Aspirant
    Oct 29, 2024

    Not looking to disable the Wifi - just the broadcast of the SSID.  This is fairly common feature that has existed for over 20 years.

    • FURRYe38's avatar
      FURRYe38
      Guru - Experienced User
      Oct 29, 2024

      Yes existed on NON Mest systems. Not supported on MESH systems. 

      • tg12422455's avatar
        tg12422455
        Aspirant
        Oct 30, 2024

        I have seen screenshots of the exact same Orbi web admin interface as mine (v7 firmware) but it has additional options to disable SSID broadcast.  So the option was once available and has been removed?  If so, does anyone know if older firmware can be applied to toggle the setting, and then new firmware applied while maintaining the setting?

    • CrimpOn's avatar
      CrimpOn
      Guru - Experienced User
      Oct 29, 2024
      tg12422455 wrote:

      Not looking to disable the Wifi - just the broadcast of the SSID.  This is fairly common feature that has existed for over 20 years.

      There are many WiFi features that were common in the past and have now disappeared, such as:

      • The concept of scheduling the WiFi system to turn off and back on.
        In today's 24/7 world with dozens of "Internet of Things" devices in most houses, this is simply no longer practical.
      • Creating separate SSIDs for the 2.4G and 5G WiFi networks.  The norm for modern mesh systems is for them to be the same.
      • "Hiding" the SSID by not broadcasting it.  This was touted as a security measure years ago, but was found to be pointless. Internet search for "discover hidden WiFi SSID" pulls up numerous articles pointing out that this provides little in the way of increased security.

      No matter.  The Netgear Orbi products do not provide any of these features.  If they are essential, find some other product (but research it carefully before purchasing).