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Keep ISP from broadcasting hidden SSID network using your router + Nighthawk R7000
The problem: My ISP broadcasts a hidden SSID network (or two) using my router. The network(s) follow my home network around, regardless of what channel I put it on. I've spoken with the ISP in the pa...
Hey there,
All of your questions got me looking and playing around with a lot of different devices, settings, ect.
I was wrong. It looks like the hidden SSID which was causing me the most issues was a network created by Google Chrome Cast which was later revealed to be Living Room TV.[x] . I didn't use that device too often, so I unplugged it and the issue was solved. No more hidden SSIDs. At least on my 2.4 ghz network anyways. When I looked at the 5 ghz network, there were still two networks following my network around. One was revealed to be a FireTV stick, and the other is still unknown. At the moment, it doesn't appear to be causing any issues with media playback on my TVs. If it does, I will use the MAC address suggestion someone posted here.
Turns out, I had a configuration error. Both of my networks had the same exact name. Once I changed the names of both networks, three of the four "hidden" SSIDs revealed themselves and I could then mitigate the issue from there. At the moment, everything seems to be OK. I will continue to monitor the 5 ghz network to see if there are any playback issues with the other two networks present.
Also, just for clarity, I didn't have an ONT, but just a CAT 6 plugged into the wall, and then a cable line running from my house to the telephone poles. And thank you for the update recommendation; the devices connected to my router now have pictures that show what they are if the name is not specific enough. Thanks.
Thanks to everyone for your help/suggestions!
RockoSweat wrote:
How do you know the isp is going this?
- ISPs have this practice of utilizing their customer's routers with or without their knowledge to help provide WiFi access to people around your residence that want to log into the companies resources. I first saw Comcast doing this years ago. They called it guest networks. After a Google search (there isn't much on this), it shows that I am not the only one dealing with this, but I have not discovered a viable solution to this problem. I ruled out my settings being an issue, and I have ruled out some sort of hacker/neighbor who is just waiting for me to change the WiFi channel and then following suit.This only leaves the ISP.------The isp controls the firmware on modems and modem/router combo devices. not plain routers. The R7000 is a router only device. The isp can't push firmware to it. You control it.
How are you detecting this hidden ssid?
- I am detecting these two hidden networks using a tool on my smart phone called WiFi Analyzer.-----Take a screen snip of it. and the networks in your area. Then highlight the one that you thinks from your router. That's more beneficial.
What firmware is on the router?
- V1.0.9.18_1.2.27-----that is a super old firmware on that router. The newest is 1.0.11.130, have you tried updating?
what modem/gateway is the router connected to?
- The gateway is an Optical Network Terminal----which one?
Thank you for looking into this for me.
Hey there,
All of your questions got me looking and playing around with a lot of different devices, settings, ect.
I was wrong. It looks like the hidden SSID which was causing me the most issues was a network created by Google Chrome Cast which was later revealed to be Living Room TV.[x] . I didn't use that device too often, so I unplugged it and the issue was solved. No more hidden SSIDs. At least on my 2.4 ghz network anyways. When I looked at the 5 ghz network, there were still two networks following my network around. One was revealed to be a FireTV stick, and the other is still unknown. At the moment, it doesn't appear to be causing any issues with media playback on my TVs. If it does, I will use the MAC address suggestion someone posted here.
Turns out, I had a configuration error. Both of my networks had the same exact name. Once I changed the names of both networks, three of the four "hidden" SSIDs revealed themselves and I could then mitigate the issue from there. At the moment, everything seems to be OK. I will continue to monitor the 5 ghz network to see if there are any playback issues with the other two networks present.
Also, just for clarity, I didn't have an ONT, but just a CAT 6 plugged into the wall, and then a cable line running from my house to the telephone poles. And thank you for the update recommendation; the devices connected to my router now have pictures that show what they are if the name is not specific enough. Thanks.
Thanks to everyone for your help/suggestions!
RockoSweat wrote:Also, just for clarity, I didn't have an ONT, but just a CAT 6 plugged into the wall, and then a cable line running from my house to the telephone poles.
Somewhere between the category 6 ethernet in your wall and the cable line line running to the telephone poles is a piece of hardware. It could be a modem only or a modem/wireless router. The wireless router would be another source of Wi-Fi signals.
