SWRU423A July 2015 – May 2016 WL1801MOD , WL1805MOD , WL1807MOD , WL1831MOD , WL1835MOD , WL1837MOD
Hidden SSID is one method to provide wireless security by hiding the network name. When hidden SSID is used, the network ID (SSID) is not broadcasted in the AP beacons.
The AP does not reply with a probe response to any device, other than from a probe request with the specific SSID. This method is not secured, as it is possible to see the SSID of the specific AP from the probe request, using the sniffer. When scanning the air with a wireless device, the AP with the hidden SSID will not be found.
A connection scan must be performed for a wireless device to connect, which means transmitting a unicast probe request with the SSID.