How to Turn Off Netgear Extender SSID from Broadcasting?

After you have done the Netgear WiFi extender setup at your home, you can enjoy seamless internet in all the corners of your home using it. To enjoy its network, you need to access its SSID on various devices. What an SSID is, you get to know later in this article. The SSID of your Netgear wireless range extender is visible to all, by default. But to add more security to your home network, it is suggested that you hide it. How to hide it and why to hide it is what you will get to know in this piece of write-up. Read on to know more.

What is an SSID?

SSID or Service Set Identifier is the name of any network. All networks have different SSIDs. While you are trying to access any network, you need to connect to it using its network name or SSID. When you open WIFI settings on your phone or PC, you will see a set of network names using which you connect to WiFi. These names are all SSIDs of different networks available near you.

Why Hide the SSID of Netgear WiFi Extender?

We just mentioned that your Netgear extender broadcasts its network name or SSID to all the devices by default. That means anyone can see it on their devices. Do you know you can hide your SSID and create a hidden network? This will be beneficial for keeping your network safe. Like if you do not want others to view your network, hide the SSID. You also protect your home network from unauthorized access. Thus no WiFi bandit can leech on your network. Plus you get a more secure network.

Steps to Turn Off Netgear Extender SSID Broadcast?

Step 1: Power Up Netgear Extender

Commence the process by first turning on your Netgear wireless range extender. Thus, get near it and plug its power adapter into an active wall outlet. Turn on the power button next and supply power to it. The lights on it should turn solid before you go to the next step.

Step 2: Connect it to Router

The next step in line is to form a connection between the Netgear extender and the host router. Let them connect wirelessly if they have been configured previously. You can also use an Ethernet cable to connect them. Make sure you connect them firmly.

Step 3: Do the Login

Now, use your PC and launch an internet browser on it. In the URL bar of the browser, insert the web address mywifiext.net or you can utilize the default IP address and press the Enter key. You will be navigated to the login page of your Netgear router. On this page, you will see two fields wherein you got to input the username and password of your Netgear account and click n the Log In button. You are now logged in.

Step 4: Create a Hidden Network

It is now time you hide your Netgear WiFi extender’s SSID from broadcasting. On the admin dashboard, go to Menu and select Settings. After that click on WiFi to open the WiFi settings. Click on the checkbox next to Broadcast the Network Name(SSID) to de-select it. Thereafter, click on the Save button to save the changes done by you.

To Briefly Conclude

Here comes an end to the write-up about how to turn off the Netgear extender network name or SSID from broadcasting and create a hidden network. Apart from doing this, another thing that you can do to secure your home network is update the firmware of your Netgear extender to the latest version. By this, you not only enhance the security but also do away with certain Netgear extender-related issues like Netgear WiFi not working, poor WiFi from the extender, etc. You also improve the performance of your device by updating the firmware.