Not connecting to a WiFi that is not broadcasting its SSID?

[waltp]

I am having difficulty connecting to a WiFi that is not broadcasting its SSID.  I had connected previously when the SSID was broadcasting.  Since it was switched to not broadcast, I have not been able to access.  My Blackberry, Galaxy Tab and laptop have no problem.  There have been no changes in the WiFi or Razr configuration other than shutting off the SSID broadcast.

[bearone21]

is it your wi-fi? some devices can make the connection with ssid not broadcasting & some don't.

i don't broadcast my ssid & my kids, extended family & in-laws can all connect with the name & encryption type, wep.

not terribly sophisticated but without ssid broadcasting, it's invisible.

i suspect you have the wrong encryption in the razr.

[breezex]

Delete the WiFi connection that you are trying to connect to from your phone.  Add new a network manually and establish a new connection by typing in the SSID of the WiFi router (even though it is not being broadcast it still has an SSID) and as bearone21 suggests, play close attention to the type of encryption and password.  Also make sure that the router does not have mac address filtering turned on or if it does that it knows your mac address.

[bearone21]

by ssid, you mean the name of the connection, correct?

[breezex]

When you manually add a network on my wife's Razr Maxx and my Galaxy S3 it asks for two things; Network SSID and Security (type).  On my D-Link wireless router the SSID is called: Wireless Network Name and then in parenthesis (Also called the SSID).  So it could be called "name of the connection" on other routers.

[bearone21]

when you manually setup/add any laptop, phone, ipad, ad nauseum, to a router that's not broadcasting ssid, name/ssid & proper encryption are required not just for your g3 & maxx.

[RonZ_]

For those who do not know, a hidden SSID on a wireless network is a basic level of defense for your wireless network.  Meaning if your network is not broadcasting it's name, saying I am here to anyone who has a wireless device, an unwanted intruder is unaware your network is there.

Most laptops and more advanced wireless devices have an option in the WiFi settings "to connect if hidden".  These devices will go down the list of preferred networks in order, trying to connect to each preferred network before scanning for a different network.  This setting is specifically for using a hidden SSID network.  Currently the RAZR Maxx does not offer this setting,  Which means that you have to have your SSID broadcasting for the cell phone to see it, then try to connect to it.

I was having the same problem, did a search on play for "connect to hidden network", first item in list was "WiFi Connection Manager", viewed and found decent amount of downloads and better than half positive ratings, downloaded and installed, app pulled in network info, set router back to hidden SSID, RAZR lost connection momentarily, then app took over and reconnected.  Powered phone down, started phone back up, phone lost network. Went into manual settings, manually entered network, there was a check box identifying network as hidden SSID, selected that. Saved, and Droid connected to the network. Powered phone down. Restarted phone and phone logged into SSID hidden network. App does as needed.

Will keep you updated on the apps performance, but app appears to be working as expected.

I hope this helps users to understand and is an acceptable answer to this question.

Ron

Message was edited by: Ron >Personal info deleted<

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

[Tidbits]

Android in general do not have this setting by default.  It's not specific to any one Android device.  Enhancement requests have been put since 1.6 to have something like above implemented.

[bearone21]

do you have "other" listed? select, type ssid name, enter encryption

[mrcrsn]

You can connect to a hidden SSID with this phone, or any droid.  Had a touch of trouble with my razr m until I used the proper case then it worked fine, that is "MyNetwork" is not the same as "mynetwork"