Turn off SSID broadcast at router, Tivo cannot see network?

[aero_22]

I have used a wireless connection for my Tivo for the past year with no issues, except when I try to turn off the SSID broadcast on my Linksys router, the Tivo Series 2 cannot find the network. I prefer to disable SSID to improve security.

Any suggestions?

[CuriousMark]

I have used a wireless connection for my Tivo for the past year with no issues, except when I try to turn off the SSID broadcast on my Linksys router, the Tivo Series 2 cannot find the network. I prefer to disable SSID to improve security.

Any suggestions?

If your SSID broadcast is off, you should be able to hand enter it during network setup and find your network. SSIDs are case sensitive, so if you don't enter it exactly right, it will not find it. Could that be your problem?

I am going to jump to a conclusion here and guess that you are saying that if you turn SSID broadcast off, your tivo looses your network and cannot find it during network setup even when you hand enter the SSID correctly. In the event this is what you really mean, then I suspect there is another interfering network on the same channel as yours. Try changing channels and see if that helps.

Oh, by the way, turning SSID broadcast off doesn't improve security any more than turning your porch light off improves the security of your front door. The door is still visible and the bad guys won't cover their eyes and pretend it's not there just because it isn't well lit. There is lots of free software out there that will find your network even with SSID broadcast off. Try out Netstumbler as an example. What is more likely to happen is that your neighbor won't see your network when he is trying to set his up and will end up on the same channel as you interfering and slowing your TiVo Transfers way down. But if you sleep better with it off, more power to you.

CuriousMark

[Puppy76]

That's REALLY helpful info CuriousMark! I didn't realize turning off SSID was so worthless (or worse than worthless). Thanks for the info!

[greg_burns]

The six dumbest ways to secure a wireless LAN :)
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/index.php?p=43

[Puppy76]

Oh wow, that's fantastic info. I'm embarrased to admit that I thought restricting IPs would mean your network was secure :o

I guess WPA is the ONLY real security measure, and even with that I have my doubts... Plus TONS of stuff dosen'et really supports WPA-I'm not sure Tivo even does (?)

That's yet another reason I'm glad to just be using a wired network!

[segaily]

TiVo does not support WPA at this time. Nothing is every completely secure. The question really is how much is enough. I lock my door at home but someone could very easily break a window and get in.

I use WEP and turn off SSID and figure that is enough for 90% of the people who would try to break in. Most people have no idea how to break in but if you leave the door wide open they may walk in. I do not turn on MAC filtering so I can check and see what MAC are on the router from time to time and hope I will notice if someone else is ever using my network heavily.

I figure my network is about as safe as my house is without bars on my windows.

[bmb]

My tivos work fine wirelessly with SSID Broadcast off, so it might just be specific to your router. If you haven't already, you can try upgrading the firmware on your router to see if that makes a difference.

-B

[Joeg180]

Greg and CuriousMark,
Good posts and thanks for the links.

Joe

[CuriousMark]

TiVo does not support WPA at this time. Nothing is every completely secure. The question really is how much is enough. I lock my door at home but someone could very easily break a window and get in.

I use WEP and turn off SSID and figure that is enough for 90% of the people who would try to break in. Most people have no idea how to break in but if you leave the door wide open they may walk in. I do not turn on MAC filtering so I can check and see what MAC are on the router from time to time and hope I will notice if someone else is ever using my network heavily.

I figure my network is about as safe as my house is without bars on my windows.
That is not unreasonable at all. As I said before, if it makes you feel better, go with it. WEP will keep the door closed and anyone from walking in without effort. It is providing 95% of the protection you are getting.

I fall into the group of folks who use SSID broadcast to mark their territory. I am more comfortable with the feeling that it tells the other people out there that I have this channel in this location. It is my barking dog. I would feel less comfortable if it were off. To each his own, that is why the settings are are adjustable.

CuriousMark