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Visitor

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5 Messages

Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 8:09 PM

Closed

XB8 Gaeway - how to disable Hidden Networks

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​​​​​My gateway continues to send beacons on 5 hidden SSID's in both 4.2 and 5Ghz. I have public and private Wi-Fi disabled on the Gateway as I am utilizing multiple Cisco AP's throughout the house. This is an unnecessary form of radio interference particularly when it is not needed and in close proximity to my AP.  How do I request these hidden SSID broadcast to be disabled? ​​​​​

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Problem Solver

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1.5K Messages

2 years ago

You can't.  One is for the security systems.  There's the public hot spot you can try to turn off, but folks report it turns itself back on.  Bridge mode just hides the SSID, the radio is active.  Getting rid of them involves getting rid of the Xfinity gateway and using 3rd party gear without the "feature".

Visitor

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5 Messages

2 years ago

Thanks @flatlander3, I appreciate your response. I was in denial even though I assumed so, and yet had hopes of otherwise. We still have a landline on the gateway so I have just avoided the change. This didn't show up until a new gateway swap. I'll have to pseudo faraday cage it, move my nearby AP, or just replace it as you suggest. Totally lame that it can't be disabled even via request. 

Thanks again.

Problem Solver

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1.5K Messages

@user_06bf7e​ It's got a fan in it and does need to shed heat.

If you're going the cage route, fine copper screen soldered together works.  Copper tape the cables as best you can.  High frequency can escape the smallest gap, you'd be surprised. 

Ideally, you'd save yourself the rental fee if you want to end it.  You'll break even on cost sooner or later.

Contributor

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200 Messages

2 years ago

Faraday cage... I was going to suggest that but you thought of it already.  Not hard to do and kind of fun.

Visitor

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5 Messages

2 years ago

What did you do for cooling? It seems to be the only tricky part. 
[Edited: "Personal Information"]

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Official Employee

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2K Messages

2 years ago

@user_06bf7e - Hello. That is an excellent, and common question! And, thank you, @flatlander3. We appricate you tapping in for the assist and explanation. As flatlander3 mentioned when you see a broadcast name / SSID named "Hidden", that is an additional network name that we broadcast. It is used for interfacing with Xfinity Home Security. Our modems also broadcast our Xfinity WiFi hotspots to help keep customers connected. This article explains how you're able to manage the Xfinty WiFi hotspot available on your residential Xfinity Gateway. 

Problem Solver

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1.5K Messages

2 years ago

Sorry.  Multi-tasking.  Wrong post.  Apologize for that.

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