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[VOS]

Any way around this or does my SSID need to be visible in order to connect to my home network?  If I make it invisible, the DAP-1522 does not connect to it.  Thanks for any help on this.

[Mlachake]

Yes. Your wireless has to be visible for it to connect.

[VOS]

Thanks for the info and reply

[JTDlink]

Mlachake, I would like some more detail about this issue.  I have a DIR-655 router and just bought a DAP-1522 to pair with it.  I spent 4 frustrating hours trying to get the 1522 to connect to the 655 (including a support call where they concluded I should "take the 1522 back to the store" after offering me no more information than I could get in the documentation).

I decided to start stripping down the security on the 655, and when I set it to "Visible" instead of "Invisible", the 1522 could connect.  If I set the 655 back to Invisible, the connection is instantly lost.

This issue is not documented anywhere I could find it, and seems like a major security problem to me, as I want to keep my connection Invisible to my neighbors.  I have have no problems connecting other devices, including two laptops, to the 655 while it is Invisible.

So my questions are: why does the 1522 work this way, and can it be fixed?  Leaving my 655 Visible is not something I want to do, and if the 1522 can't connect otherwise, it's not useful for my needs.

Thanks for your time,
-JTDlink

[Lycan]

Lets discuss the nature of wireless.
First all AP's, routers and bridges operate with 2 SSIDs.
The first is the BSSID. The BSSID is the MAC address of the AP you're intending to connect to. Normal site surveys will not show the BSSID broadcast.
Then you have your ESSID. This is the NAME that you assign to your wireless network.

Many people believe that disabling SSID broadcast is a form of security. THIS IS NOT TRUE. Do not fool yourself. ANYONE that has the talent and skill required to crack even the most basic of encryption protocols (e.g WEP64bit) will not be deterred or fooled by a hidden SSID.
A strong encryption configuration and MAC filtering is your best bet for security.
A program freely given on the NET known as NETSTUMBLER will show BSSID broadcast and encryption types.

Second, lets discuss bridging. Bridging is done with the ESSID, without it our bridge products will not work, in fact I believe all bridges are this way but don't quote me. All I can account for is OUR products and their intended functionality.

[JTDlink]

Lycan,

Thanks for at least replying.  I've had very little luck getting any decent tech support from your company.

I would disagree that hiding the SSID is not a form of security.  Given the information in your message, it's definitely weak, but I wouldn't be looking to stop advanced users that way, just standing aside from casual ones.  If my network's name does not appear in my neighbor's list that he has to choose from, he will be less likely to try to use it.  Perhaps this is the equivalent of hiding your key under the mat, but it's better security than leaving the key on top of the mat.

May I ask WHY your bridge products require the ESSID be visible?  The bridge has all the information about the network its trying to connect to, so why can't it work like any connection, a laptop, etc.?

The fact that the ESSID needs to be visible should be in your documentation...that relatively important piece of information would have saved me hours of frustration.

Thanks,
-JTDlink

[Lycan]

It's less like hiding the key under the mat, more like removing your address from the street and spray painting "I can't see you, you don't exsist" on your front door.

[nghtdvl]

Just as added information, the DAP-1522 can connect to an invisible network using WEP encryption, but not using WAP encryption. Just update to firmware to 1.20 or higher and this whole issue goes away.

[jerry6]

even if hidden the ssid is broadcast in the CLEAR  , it offers no security , anny sniffer can get it in 2 seconds . Second wep can be cracked in 3 minutes or less using easy to find tools .
 mac filtering , come on mac is also broadcast and can be spoofed , very weak , offers little security .