Hidden Nerwork

[Jass]

Hello,

I have recently upgraded to a BT Smart Hub 2.  Windows 10 is displaying in the list of available networks one labelled 'Hidden Network'.

It is at a high signal strength, which makes me think that it is actually my hub.  Why is it broadcasting this network name?  What is it for?

Jass.

[imjolly]

see this post about same networks just they have now been changed to 'hidden'

https://community.bt.com/t5/BT-Devices/Odd-named-guest-wifi-networks-have-appeared/m-p/2090597

[Jass]

Thanks imj for responding with the link.

I notice that Stereohaven advises that the Hidden Network is there to allow access to BT WiFi, but I have opted out of BT WiFi as I prefer my hub not to be accessible to BT WiFi.

The BT WiFi, correctly, disappeared from the available networks, but the Hidden Network still displays.

Does this mean that I only think the BT WiFi has been disabled, when really it is still there?

Jass.

[imjolly]

Others reported when they opted out of BTWIFI then the guest networks disappeared at same time.  I would have thought 'hidden' would have been the same

If BTWIFI shows off in hub then it is off

[licquorice]

As far as I'm aware, the 'hidden' networks are the discrete backhaul channels for the wifi discs to communicate.

[stereohaven]

That would be my best guess as well, but I also have Complete Wi-fi with one disc and cannot see any ‘Hidden Networks’.

Perhaps a neighbours hidden network rather than coming from the hub?

[Jass]

Hello Stereohaven.

I don't think it's a neighbours network as I am not seeing any other networks of comparable signal strength.

This one is showing full strength signal, which is what makes me think it is coming from my own hub.

If BT have deactivatedmy BT WiFi, as requested, why would this one still  be transmitting.

Sneaky BT?  -  or is that too cynical of me?

Jass.

[licquorice]

See message 5

It is quite simple to see if it is your hub transmitting it, just turn off the hub and see if it disappears

[Jass]

Thanks liquorice.  Good suggestion.

When I turn off the hub both my network and the Hidden Network disappear.  Switch back on and they both return.

I'm just trying to find out what it is, why it's there and what it does.

As an aside, isn't 'Hidden Network' something of a misnomer?  After all, if it was hidden, I wouldn't be able to see it!

Thanks for any further enlightenment anyone can provide.

Jass.

[Keith_Beddoe]

I would guess that the "hidden"  networks are used to provide the backhaul links to the black disks, as part of the complete wifi package.

Its only the SSIDs which are hidden. Your wireless card may have promiscuous mode, where it will see all networks.

This is sometimes called monitor mode.