Why do probe requests for specific SSIDs work?
Probe requests are either broadast or unicast check to see whether an SSID is in range. It’s like the NIC is continuously asking “is anybody there?”, or “is Bob there?”. Since many companies deploy multiple APs on the same SSID, it makes sense to broadcast SSID probes.
What to do if there is no SSID on your WiFi?
Beside the possibility to send a Direct Probe Request to one of its known SSIDs (“Hey “HomeSSID”, are you there?”), there is the option to send Broadcast Probe Requests, where no SSID is specified (“Hey, is somebody here”), upon which every WiFi that hears this request has to answer with a Probe Response Frame.
What happens when you hide your SSID in a beacon?
Hiding your SSID will remove (null) the SSID Element in the Beacon Frames and Probe Response Frames.
Why do I need to hide my SSID on my phone?
But hiding the SSID can still be considered a handy feature: if you have a guest WiFi and an internal WiFi, you can prevent guests from accidentally trying to access the internal WiFi by hiding it, and therefore protect your helpdesk from unnecessary phonecalls.
Can a nix based client select a BSSID?
Some clients (especially most *nix based clients) will actually allow you to optionally select a BSSID as well. This can be more secure as it will prevent your client from connecting to a “rogue” access point that is broadcasting the same SSID as the network you expect to connect.
How are SSIDs related to the extended service set?
The extended service set or ESS consists of one or more BSS connected to the same network. The SSID is actually more related to the ESS than the BSS, and most client devices don’t care which specific BSS they join, rather they look to join the ESS.
What does SSID stand for in wireless network?
The service set identifier or SSID is the logical (i.e. human readable) name used by a wireless network. The basic service set or BSS consists of a single access point (or virtual access point) and any stations associated to the AP (VAP).