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Please add in a feature to disable SSID broadcast on the Orbi Tri-band RBR850. The stated reason of "you don't need it" is clearly contradicted by the number of people who have been asking for it, and I can't imagine it poses any sort of software/firmware design obstacle (the response is basically "we don't want to", rather than something with justification).
As many others have stated, it's security best practice to make it as difficult as possible for a malicious actor to gain access to your system; stopping SSID broadcast is similar to creating a dummy Administrator account on Windows - it may not stop a determined actor, but it will stop bots and random people from finding their attack vector as easily.
28 Comments
Very frustrating that I cannot disable SSID broadcast. I just spent $900 on a router and two satellites and I can't have this basic feature??? I think I'm going to back them up and send them back.
While disabling Broadcast SSID doesn't really block network discovery through any toolset, it does block the casual nefarious browser (like your neighbors kids).
Since some IoT devices (think home automation, electric charging, etc) have a hard time dealing with connecting to networks that don't broadcast the SSID, I can see some marketing type making the decision to remove the control simply to avoid having calls and inquiries come in from users of those devices complaining they "can't connect to my Orbi".
However, having the control and setting the default to be on would serve both communities equally well. A shame it isn't available now. Add my voice to the chorus to bring it back.
My guess is that we are supposed to be using Netgear Armor to provide this security (which is, of course, a monthly subscription).
Since I'm using these as purely WAP, it doesn't make sense for me to subscribe to Armor; I have a "business class" edge device to offer better security coming in, so all I really need is the SSID disable and turning on the feature to deny any unknown connections, to harden my attack planes.
And on further review they have also removed the deny unknown devices feature! (At least in WAP mode - it's probably present in the Access Control CP, but that's disabled in WAP mode)
jerryrice420 should look at what AP mode means.
It disables many features that you see in a router. That's because they have act as a router.
Disabled Features on the Router when set to AP Mode | Answer | NETGEAR Support
Nothing to do with firmware changes or SSIDs, the subject of this suggestion.
It is up to your router to handle Access Control.
Just bought this today and was surprised to see that I am unable to disable the SSID broadcast like I was able to on my R6300. I was only upgrading to have stronger connectivity on far side of my house and went with NG because current router has been reliable and I expected the same reliability and functionality with the new mesh. This setting is gone on the RBR850 despite it being displayed on the advanced dashboard as Broadcast Name and showing as On. Why take away functionality and display this if its not a setting that can be changed?
I have over 50 smart devices that have never had issue connecting to the hidden SSID on my R6300. Personally I dont like the idea of my SSID coming up on my neighbors devices when they are connecting to WiFi in the area and I also dont like scrolling through a list of broadcasting SSID when I am doing the same. Please bring this back!
I agree with all previous comments .Simply add SSID broadcasting checkbox for each bandwidth. Have it off by default if you'd like but let each user decide what they want to do. Yes this is a first level of security but that's enough to prevent my neighbors to see my network and try to connect to.
I paid big money for this highly recommended Wifi system, I'm am expect all basic features to be included.
Engineers, please listen to your customers request.
Thank you
There should be a checkbox for each bandwidth that allows SSID broadcasting. I agree with everyone's comments. If you'd like, leave it off by default, but let each user decide whether or not to enable it. More details about sos mod apk are available here. Although this is a first level of security, it's enough to keep my neighbors from being able to see my network and trying to connect.
With such an expensive purchase, I expect it to come with all of the features I need.
Listen to the needs of your customers, engineers.
Thanks a lot
I also would like the freedom to NOT broadcast my SSID to all my neighbors.
I waited a long time to buy an expensive mesh system and I just got the ORBI.
I am really disapointed that I can't hide my SSID if I want too.
This should be the your customer's chioice and this a istandard technology feature you have denied to your poteneial customer.
PUT IT BACK IN THE FIRMWARE PLEASE.
I am leaving a review for this to warn customers that the ORBI products lack basic and standardized router featrues.
Also, users do not need any more lectures on the pro's and cons of a hidden SSID.
I totally agree with previous comments - disabling SSID broadcast is a very basic function for wi-fi security. I would challenge the Netgear Orbi team to suggest, why it is NOT needed if they're hesitant to implement.
