Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode

Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode

Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode
Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode
2024-12-03 19:56:51 - last edited 2024-12-04 00:36:25
Model: ER706W  
Hardware Version: V1
Firmware Version: 1.1.2 Build 20240726 Rel.77184(4555)

My ER706W exposes a hidden WiFi network, 5GHz range while in standalone mode.

TP-Link explanation says 'The hidden wireless network is used to build up the mesh wireless network system', although this directly contradicts the fact that a router configured as a standalone router has no mesh functionality.

It sounds like “we manufactured a second key to your door for your wife, but we're not going to give it away knowing you're single”.

 

Is there any way to disable this hidden network for this specific router? I can't find any details about the default password randomization it uses, so I'm afraid this could be used as a backdoor.

 

P.S. I presonally enjoyed 'It cannot be detected by the common wireless devices.'. My smartphone sees it, my MacBook does - how rare/uncommon are these devices?

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#1
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Re:Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode-Solution
2024-12-04 00:36:21 - last edited 2024-12-04 00:36:25
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#2
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Re:Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode-Solution
2024-12-04 00:36:21 - last edited 2024-12-04 00:36:25
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#2
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Re:Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode
2024-12-04 16:55:04 - last edited 2024-12-04 16:56:51

  @Clive_A It literally says opposite on Web UI, see the screenshot. The only thing Wireles/Mesh do in standalone mode is redirect to the System Tools/Control Settings page (after clicking 'Go to Login' button).

 

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Re:Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode
2024-12-05 00:59:24 - last edited 2024-12-05 01:05:21

@Serge9000

Serge9000 wrote

  @Clive_A It literally says opposite on Web UI, see the screenshot. The only thing Wireles/Mesh do in standalone mode is redirect to the System Tools/Control Settings page (after clicking 'Go to Login' button).

 

 

I don't understand what you mean.

I mean this model supports mesh in the standalone mode. It is the same reason as the reason above for a hidden SSID.

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Re:Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode
2024-12-19 01:53:56 - last edited 2024-12-19 02:02:30

  @Clive_A 
There are 3 logical statements:

  1. This model supports mesh in the standalone mode
  2. To enjoy the mesh function, ... enable Cloud-Base Controller Management
  3. Enabling Cloud-Base Controller Management disables standalone mode

 

By deduction from these statements, I got 'This model supports mesh in the standalone mode, although you can't (or won't?) enjoy it'.

This puzzles me. Why would someone explicitly state I could use functionality but can't enjoy it?

 

Anyway, I just need to turn this mesh function (hidden network included) off. Could it be done? It is not used right now and I don't expect any mesh AP to join uninvited.

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Re:Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode
2024-12-19 02:09:12

Hi @Serge9000 

Thanks for posting in our business forum.

Serge9000 wrote

  @Clive_A 
There are 3 logical statements:

  1. This model supports mesh in the standalone mode
  2. To enjoy the mesh function, ... enable Cloud-Base Controller Management
  3. Enabling Cloud-Base Controller Management disables standalone mode

 

By deduction from these statements, I got 'This model supports mesh in the standalone mode, although you can't (or won't?) enjoy it'.

This puzzles me. Why would someone explicitly state I could use functionality but can't enjoy it?

 

Anyway, I just need to turn this mesh function (hidden network included) off. Could it be done? It is not used right now and I don't expect any mesh AP to join uninvited.

The hidden SSID is not gonna allow the connection as it is reserved for the mesh. And it can't be disabled at this moment. Even there is a mesh AP tends to connect to it, it has to be Omada and Omada authenticates it by the admin.

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#6
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Re:Hidden WiFi network in standalone mode
2025-06-17 17:51:11 - last edited 2025-06-23 17:28:25

I too would like to see this fixed.  I just got a new ER706W and now see a hidden SSID on the 5 GHz band.  There should be a way to turn this off if you are not using a mesh setup.

 

Edited 23-06-25:  In a crowded wi-fi environment, such as we have here in Europe, there is no place for uneeded/unwanted/ SSID transmissions.  They only help the interference problem.  There should be a user option to disable mesh if it is not used.

 

 

1x ER706W 1x OC300 4x SG2008 1x EAP610 2x EAP650
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