Disable/Hide Option for "TP_TX_VAP" 6ghz SSID on EAP773
Disable/Hide Option for "TP_TX_VAP" 6ghz SSID on EAP773
EAP773 currently broadcasts a "TP_TX_VAP" SSID when the 6ghz band is active, which is enabled for certain devices with early implementations of WiFi 6E/7. Broadcasting the SSID was employed by several vendors as a workaround for these devices, however, it is now not needed as the majority of these devices have been updated to properly adhere with the 6E/7 spec. Other vendors have disabled the broadcasting for this type of SSID, allowing for a cleaner user experience. Currently, many clients attempt connecting to the broadcast network as it appears as an open network, and their devices remember these networks by default, causing issues when attempting to rejoin the correct/desired network.
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Any update on this?
I am boxing up and returning this gear if I cannot disable or manage this UNENCRYPTED SSID.
I have disabled 6GHz and it is still broadcasting.
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The reason for broadcasting this SSID - TP_TX_VAP on WiFi 7 EAP at present is to ensure compatibility with some cellphones or NICs supporting the 6 GHz band, such as the Samsung S21, etc. As they may not be able to detect other 6GHz SSIDs when the TX_VAP SSID is hidden. And deleting or disabling the TX_VAP SSID can cause the connected devices to disconnect from other SSIDs.
SSID - TP_TX_VAP is considered as safe as device association is forbidden and does not contain any sensitive information.
We are working on optimizing performance to resolve this issue as soon as possible.
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@Vincent-TP This problem is preventing me from investing in new Outdoor models with WiFi 7, will not upgrade as long as they have this problem SSID - TP_TX_VAP.
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Vincent-TP wrote
The reason for broadcasting this SSID - TP_TX_VAP on WiFi 7 EAP at present is to ensure compatibility with some cellphones or NICs supporting the 6 GHz band, such as the Samsung S21, etc. As they may not be able to detect other 6GHz SSIDs when the TX_VAP SSID is hidden. And deleting or disabling the TX_VAP SSID can cause the connected devices to disconnect from other SSIDs.
SSID - TP_TX_VAP is considered as safe as device association is forbidden and does not contain any sensitive information.
We are working on optimizing performance to resolve this issue as soon as possible.
This needs to be a configurable option - not forced on all users without consent without even a readily available explanation.
And respectfully, it is not up to you to determine whether this feature is "safe" - that would be like trusting Phillip Morris that smoking cigarettes is just fine and dandy.
In fact, this raises the question: what independent third-party audit testing has TP Link performed on this and other features of their wireless access point products?
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This is frankly embarrassing for a "business" product. In an other thread, another user posted security vulnerabilities present in the current public EAP773 firmware: https://community.tp-link.com/en/business/forum/topic/818778
Over 5 months later, and the fix is still only in a beta update. Broadcasting the "TP_TX_VAP" SSID essentially advertises that an AP running firmware with security issues is deployed, and there seems to be no signs of improvement here. There are also several bugs and broken features alongside this security issue, which can be found quickly by searching around on this forum.
I purchased an Omada AP as an introductory device for the ecosystem, and this has obviously not been the best experience. I've sold the AP now and have moved on to other vendors, where I have had more firmware updates (that have also actually fixed issues!) in 2 weeks than in the 6 months of owning the Omada AP. Even as an enthusiast/homelabber this was poorly supported, I can't imagine how bad it would be for actual businesses with strict security policies/rules.
I hope this post can help prospective buyers make a more informed decision.
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