Most wireless access points and routers automatically transmit their network name (SSID) in the open. This feature of wireless network protocols is intended to allow users to dynamically discover and roam between WLANs.

However, this feature also makes it easier for hackers to break into your home network. Because SSIDs are not encrypted or otherwise scrambled, it becomes easy to grab one by snooping the WLAN looking for SSID broadcast messages coming from the router or AP. Knowing your SSID brings hackers one step closer to a successful intrusion.

In a home WiFi network, roaming is largely unnecessary and the SSID broadcast feature serves no useful purpose. You can disable this feature to improve the security of your WLAN. Once the wireless users are manually configured with the right SSID, they no longer require these broadcast messages.

Note that disabling SSID broadcast is just one of many techniques for tightening security on a wiriless network. This technique is not 100% effective, as hackers can still detect the SSID by sniffing different messages.