Downsides of hiding SSID

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Paul1977

5042 posts

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#245638 14-Feb-2019 12:57

TLDR: Is there a downside to hiding the SSID of a network encrypted with WPA2 and a strong key?

Background:

I use a a UniFi AP that has the 2.4GHz and 5Ghz networks using the same SSID, band steering generally works well to ensure insure 5G capable devices onto 5G. However it doesn't always work.

I have two TVs that need to be connected via 5G as I stream full UHD blu-ray remuxes, and 2.4G isn't fast enough.

My current solution is having a second SSID which is 5G only, and I have the TVs connected to that. These are the only devices that will ever connect to that SSID.

So what's the problem?

The OCD in me doesn't like this network name showing up when devices scan for networks, as it will never be used for connecting any devices other than these two TVs - so I'd like to hide the SSID (not for security reasons, just because it seems tidier to not have it show up in the list).

I know that hiding the SSID provides zero security benefits but, as long as the network is protected with WPA2 and a strong key, is there a downside to hiding it?

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hio77

12999 posts

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Lizard Networks

#2178243 14-Feb-2019 13:00

For things that i want to dedicate on an AP, i have a few different wifi SSID's setup.

Bandsteared wireless, roaming active

5G wireless, roaming active

2.4G active, roaming active

Fixed location 5G

Fixed location bandsteared.

Those are all fed into the "Lan" there is Guest HAB management(hidden) vlans alongside that.

Something like this seems suited since you already have decent AP's.

As for hiden networks, i steer away from it simply because.. it's easier to debug and configure for end users.

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Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

jnimmo

1097 posts

Uber Geek

#2178248 14-Feb-2019 13:05

The only downside is having to key in the SSID name with the TV remote

I believe mobile devices/laptops may use more power if always having to search for hidden networks, but wouldn't be an issue with fixed devices like TVs.

Paul1977

5042 posts

Uber Geek

#2178260 14-Feb-2019 13:41

hio77: ...As for hiden networks, i steer away from it simply because.. it's easier to debug and configure for end users.

I agree, but in this case no-one else will ever be connecting to it.

EDIT: I would never think of hiding a SSID that end users were connecting to.

Paul1977

5042 posts

Uber Geek

#2178263 14-Feb-2019 13:50

jnimmo:

The only downside is having to key in the SSID name with the TV remote

I believe mobile devices/laptops may use more power if always having to search for hidden networks, but wouldn't be an issue with fixed devices like TVs.

That's what I was thinking as well, and typing the SSID is hardly an issue for a one time setup on only two TVs.

Everything I read about why it's a bad idea to hide the SSID is about people doing it as an alternative to proper security, but nothing about using it when proper security is already in place. That's what prompted me to ask in case I missing something.

My understanding is that laptops etc will constantly be probing for a remembered hidden network even when it's not in range, that would probably account for the extra power usage. The TVs will always be in range and connected when powered on, so not sure if they would even suffer from this - and like you say not an issue anyway as they are connected to mains power.