SSD isolation, often referred to as AP or SSID isolation, is a technique that hides an access point on a network, making it invisible to other network devices.
Understanding SSD Isolation
Essentially, when SSD isolation is enabled:
- The access point's identifier (SSID) is not broadcasted.
- Other devices on the network cannot readily discover the access point through scanning.
- Only devices that already know the SSID and security credentials can connect.
How it Works
Here's a breakdown of how SSD isolation functions:
- Standard Operation: Normally, access points regularly broadcast their SSID so devices can easily find and connect.
- SSD Isolation Enabled: When isolation is enabled, the access point stops broadcasting its SSID. It doesn't announce its presence.
- Device Connection: To connect, a device must manually enter the exact SSID and any associated security details.
Security and Organization
While SSD isolation was sometimes thought of as a security measure, it doesn't provide true security because anyone with the appropriate network scanning software can still detect the hidden SSID. The reference information highlights this point: "AP or SSID isolation means to hide the access point on the network, so that it can't be seen by other network devices. It's a useful tool when trying to organize a large network, but as a security measure it has no real value, because anyone with the right software can detect the SSID." Instead, it’s more useful for network organization.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Hide access point from general network scans |
| Security | Minimal security; SSID can still be discovered using software |
| Main Use | Organizing large networks; controlling access |
| Access | Requires prior knowledge of the SSID to connect |
| Visibility | Network device needs to be manually added; Not discoverable using network scanners |
Practical Implications
- Network Organization: Helps manage multiple access points in large environments, reducing the visual clutter of numerous available networks.
- Controlled Access: Allows limiting access to those who know the SSID and credentials, which can be a layer of control, but isn't a real security solution.
- Reduced "Noise": Decreases the number of available networks that devices scan for, helping improve connection times and reducing confusion for some users.
Example
Imagine a large office with several access points. Using SSD isolation, you can hide each individual access point, forcing users to connect only to the specific one assigned to them by the network administrator.
Conclusion
In summary, SSD isolation or SSID isolation is a technique primarily used to hide an access point from general visibility. Though it doesn't offer robust security, it helps organize and manage larger networks by controlling which devices can discover and connect to an access point.
