ARRIS Consumer Care

G18/G20: Hiding the Wi-Fi Network Name

Printable View

« Go Back

Information

Question

How do I setup my G18/G20 gateway to not broadcast a wireless network?

Answer

The G18/G20 Wi-Fi network name (SSID) broadcasts concurrently over the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The SSID is visible to the Wi-Fi clients and the Wi-Fi clients connect to the Wi-Fi network by selecting the SSID and entering the Wi-Fi password.

Hiding the SSID increases security for the Wi-Fi network. This will prevent Wi-Fi clients from detecting the SSID when viewing the available Wi-Fi networks. When the SSID is hidden, Wi-Fi clients in the network will lose wireless connection and the SSID and Wi-Fi password will need to be manually entered into the Wi-Fi client's application to connect. The WPS (Wireless Protected Setup) feature is disabled when the SSID is hidden. The SSID must broadcast its SSID to utilize the WPS feature. This document describes how to hide the Primary Wi-Fi Network SSID.

Hide the Primary Wi-Fi Network SSID

Launch a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. Enter http://192.168.0.1 into the address box, and press the Enter key. The https:// Redirect page will appear.
The SURFboard Web Manager is redirecting to a more secure connection, click the Proceed button to continue. The Gateway > Login page will appear.
A security or private risk alert may appear on the web browser advising users to proceed with caution when accessing the Web Manager. There is no risk in proceeding to the Web Manager. For instructions to bypass the alert screen, refer to article # 18181 - Alert Message for Web Manager Access.

NOTE: The Home Network Wizard will appear if this is the first time accessing the Web Manager. For assistance with the wizard, refer to article # 19602 - G18/G20: Web Manager First Time Login.
The Username field has admin populated, enter the custom password in the Password field.

NOTE: If the Login page prompts for an email address and password, retrieve the email address and password in the app to sign in. For detailed instructions in the app, refer to article # 19069 - SURFboard Central: Web Manager Access.
Click the Login button. The Gateway > Summary page will appear.
On the left-hand menu, click the Connection link then click the Wi-Fi link.
Click the Networks sub-menu link. The Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi > Networks page will appear.
Click the Edit button for the 2.4 GHz Frequency Band. The Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi > Edit 2.4 GHz page will appear.
Uncheck the Enabled option for Broadcast Network Name (SSID). The pop-up box will appear.
Click the OK button.
Enter the four-digit CAPTCHA code in the Type CAPTCHA Here field.
Click the Save button. The setting will take effect immediately. The Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi > Networks page will appear.

NOTE: Repeat steps 8 - 11 to hide the Wi-Fi network on the 5 GHz Frequency Band.