Connecting to a hidden access point

[amfEichman]

In my location we have a number of hidden access points some are access points for the main network some are for the PDA network etc.
when i use wicd to connect i can see tens of hidden networks, i want to connect to a specified network , that is hidden, how do i enter the ssid and the password in wicd to get access ?

Thanks in advance

[spYro]

You have to know the BSSID.
The ESSID is for example something like "my_home_wlan".
The BSSID is the MAC-Address of the Access-Point and so the BSSID is ALWAYS shown.
Watch this picture:



On the right-side you have the ESSID. The Owner of the Access-Point can enable "hide ESSID", so that you have a "<NULL>" or just nothing printed on the right side.
But the BSSID is, as I said, always shown and most of the Backtrack-Software uses the BSSID.
And the reason for this is simple:
Most home-user don't change their ESSID and leave it the default-value.
Let's say, that your neigbours are using the Linksys W54G-Router.
So you then have 3-4 WLAN-Networks and all have the default "linksys_w54g"-ESSID. If you tell the your Computer "connect to linksys_w54g" the Software asks itself "yeah... but... which one of these 3?".
The BSSID (MAC) is UNIQUE, so it's definite.

I din't used "wicd" before, but it should have an option, where you can put the BSSID in. If you can't find the right textbox to enter it, just try the textbox you would use for the ESSID

Hope this helps you

Best wishes
spYro

[n000b]

In Wicd, there's a drop down menu next to 'Network' on top. Click that, and select 'Hidden Network'. Enter your SSID, then refresh your list. Your hidden network should now show up. Click the arrow next to the SSID and then select 'Advanced Settings' at the bottom chose what kind of password your entering and enter your password.