Contributor
•
30 Messages
how do I disable the Hidden Network beacons that are broadcast from this XB8 ?
I noticed there are Hidden Network beacons being broadcast from this XB8.
Even after I disable the 3 network bands in the gateway's admin settings, (2.4GHz - 5GHz - 6GHz), there are still beacons being broadcast that omit any network name.
"Hidden Networks" that's often called.
There's no way in the XB8 gateway to turn off the radios. There's no way to stop it from broadcasting those beacons.
The only way to stop it is to unplug the XB8.
After googling this, I found a half dozen threads on reddit that also complain about it, with XB8, XB7, maybe even earlier Xfinity gateways.
It's undocumented, surreptitious, raises security concerns, and it's just plain creepy.
I've already spent 5+ hours with online Xfinity Chat agents, with voice-phone Tech Support agents, and escalated to Supervisors.
It just goes in circles and I'm really beginning to fume.
If I can't get some info what this Hidden Network beacon monkey business is about, and how to stop it, I'm just going to shipcan this XB8 and ship it back.
Accepted Solution
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
15 d ago
The MAC addresses of the 3 wifi radios look like this: AC : xx : xx : xx : xx : xx
The MAC addresses in the Hidden Network beacons look like this: AE : xx : xx : xx : xx : xx
That one bit b1=1 means it is a locally generated MAC.
In other words, those "AE" MACs are fabricated by the XB8 in order to create its creepy hidden networks.
----------------------------------------
(edited)
0
0
flatlander3
Problem Solver
•
422 Messages
20 d ago
You can't. There's a hidden one for their 'home security systems'. The public WiFi access one can be shut off, but it will flip back on when your gateway crashes or updates firmware. https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/disable-xfinity-wifi-home-hotspot Setting may work or it may not, as with every other setting or feature.
To disable it entirely, don't use or rent Xfinity gear.
0
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
20 d ago
Thanks @flatlander3
It took you 1 minute to answer what 5 hours with Xfinity agents couldn't.
Then I'll just shipcan it.
0
0
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
20 d ago
The online Returns portal does not list this XB8.
https://customer.xfinity.com/devices/returns/new
It looks like I will waste another hour on the telephone with Xfinity Customer Service.
0
0
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
20 d ago
[Edited: "Inflammatory"]
now I got a voice-mail from a supervisor, saying I can use the UPS shipping label number that she DIDN'T PROVIDE and WOULDN'T SUPPLY.
[Edited: "Inflammatory"].
check the timestamp on this post.
I've been on the phone this whole time trying to get RMA to ship it back this whole time.
I'm still on hold.
(edited)
0
0
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
20 d ago
I will never make this mistake of having anything that says "Xfinity" on it in my home again.
13
NoNoBadPuppy
Contributor
•
399 Messages
18 d ago
Currently, the only way to not broadcast those hidden/extra signals is to ditch the [Edited: "Language"] hardware that xfinity makes you pay for each and every month, and buy your own hardware. Short answer is no, you cannot turn them off. Even it you could, the next time that xfinity reboots your modem, they would return.
(edited)
0
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
17 d ago
To connect you with an agent, I need you to sign in with your Xfinity ID.
Good morning Mike.
How can I help you today? You can say things like add a TV box or no Internet connection, or just select one of the options below to get started.
I can help with most issues, but I'll put you in touch with an agent if you need more assistance. What do you need help with today?
Sure, no problem.
So that we can connect you with the best agent, please let me know what you need assistance with today.
Connected to a live agent
Now chatting with Ashish
A wonderful day! Thank you for choosing Xfinity ! This is Tejinder your Xfinity Ambassador for today . May I have the first and last name of awesome customer .
Please allow me 2-4 minutes to check the account information for you.
Due to occasional latency, please be patient if there is a delay in response. Please do not close out the chat.
Ethernet Port 2 (top right-side port when looking at rear of XB8): Supports Xfinity Home Functionality
Learn how to activate your Xfinity Internet service.
Quick Links
Overview
If You Have an xFi Gateway or You Purchased Your Own Approved Modem/Router
If You Have Xfinity Voice
Need More Help With Your Self-Installation?
Additional Information
Internal Notes
Collapse All Sections
Overview
Download the Xfinity app to set up your internet and get online in minutes — with real-time support when you need it. It's the easiest way to get connected.
If you’re replacing a device that's already installed in your home, make sure to disconnect it before following the activation steps below.
Back to Top
If You Have an xFi Gateway or You Purchased Your Own Approved Modem/Router
Activating an xFi Gateway or an approved modem/router is simple with the Xfinity app (download via App Store or Google Play). Please note that the xFi Fiber Gateway (Arris X5001) is only available through professional installation and can't be activated using the Xfinity app.
For WiFi Ready Apartments with pre-installed xFi Fiber Gateways, Xfinity app activation is not available. You’ll need to activate by using the default SSID and Password listed on the gateway sticker to connect to WiFi and then open a web browser to configure your Xfinity Internet. For more details, see Getting Xfinity Internet in Your WiFi Ready Apartment.
Open a web browser on one of your computers and in the address bar type the IP address of it (the default one for the Comcast Xfinity is 10.0. 0.1) and enter the login credentials. 2. Once you are connected, navigate to Gateway > WiFi and click on Edit for both the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz and disable the WiFi.
(edited)
0
0
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
17 d ago
...and just now I got back online.
that Chat Tech Support de-activated my NetGear modem.
I had to wade through phone Customer Support agents to get it re-activated.
wasn't that nice?
sheesh
0
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
17 d ago
@moderator
kindly un-Private the Chat transcript above.
future viewers may find it enlightening.
0
NoNoBadPuppy
Contributor
•
399 Messages
17 d ago
Not sure why they marked the thread as private. I would appreciate it if someone would explain to my why they made it private.
1
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
16 d ago
There is still a completely civil post of mine missing that protested this link.
---edit. oh I see now. my reply there is hidden within a collapsed section beneath.
https://comca.st/3Q4WKAX.
That linked article is no solution.
It is deceptively worded and does NOT address the Hidden Network beacon issue.
--------------------------------
and frankly, even a casual glance inside the XB8 console will take you to that self-explanatory setting.
how else can you set up your network names + passwords, except by editing them right there.
don't you think that was the very first thing I did with the XB8 ?
it was.
so thanks, it may have been well intended, but posting that link was insulting.
(edited)
0
0
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
16 d ago
Guess what UPS delivered on my doorstep today.
An XB7.
Yeah. a "7".
I didn't order it.
0
0
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
13 d ago
I spoke on the telephone to two more Xfinity-employed liars last night.
The first lying Supervisor stated these Hidden Networks are for "Hidden Guests".
Yes. Hidden Guests.
That's why they have no known SSID and no known password.
Furthermore, they are special wifi that doesn't need a radio to produce their wifi radio signals, I was told.
That's how they are able to be broadcast while the radios are turned off.
The second lying Supervisor stated nearly as creatively, these are for "Hidden Hotspots".
Again, that's why they have no known SSID and no known password.
They're so special, they're broadcast even when I have turned off Hotspots in my Account.
And likewise as above, they are a special kind of wifi that doesn't need a radio to produce their wifi radio signals
That's how these too are able to be broadcast while the radios are turned off.
Needless to say, in each conversation an argument ensued.
Arguments which ended abruptly with my cursing at them and hanging up the phone.
Guess what exactly I said.
-----------------------------------
So there's the official answer.
(edited)
0
0
MikeMikeM
Contributor
•
30 Messages
13 d ago
Oh look. Just now. Xfinity Tier 2 Tech Support texted me this astonishing info about the Hidden Networks.
Exactly what I wanted. So worth the wait.
https://x.cmp.xfinity.com/47A9847
(redirects to: https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/xfinity-rewards)
0