Hidden Wi-Fi Network and LabKey: How to Improve Security and Reduce Interference

What Is a Hidden Wi-Fi Network?

A hidden Wi-Fi network is a wireless network with SSID broadcasting disabled. This means that the network name will not appear in the list of available connections when a device searches for a network within its range. Hidden networks are often used to enhance security and reduce interference in environments with multiple active connections.

Why Hide a Wi-Fi Network?

In areas with many active networks, such as hotels, offices, or B&Bs, overlapping signals can cause interference and slow down connections. Users often see dozens of available networks, many of which are unusable or protected, creating confusion and difficulty in connecting to the correct network. Hiding secondary networks helps maintain a more stable connection for users and reduces the overload of visible connections, optimizing the overall experience.

LabKey and Hidden Networks: A Winning Combination

LabKey access control systems leverage Wi-Fi technology to manage entries and exits in various settings, such as businesses, parking lots, and hospitality facilities. Reliable connectivity is essential to ensure efficient and uninterrupted operation. Now, with support for hidden networks, you can connect the LabKey control unit to an invisible Wi-Fi network and also hide the network emitted by the device itself. This ensures that only authorized users with the correct credentials can access the network, preventing interference or unwanted access.

Benefits of a Hidden Wi-Fi Network with LabKey

• Enhanced security: Reduces the risk of unauthorized access to visible networks.
• Less interference: Prevents congestion caused by too many available networks in the same area.
• Improved user experience: Hotel and B&B guests will only see essential networks, reducing confusion and failed connection attempts.
• Discreet access control: The LabKey control unit’s Wi-Fi network remains invisible to nearby devices, ensuring safer and distraction-free operation.
• Better bandwidth management: Fewer visible networks mean a more efficient distribution of available bandwidth, preventing slowdowns or performance drops.

How to Integrate a Hidden Wi-Fi Network into Your LabKey System

Implementing a hidden network with LabKey is simple and intuitive. Configure the access control unit to connect to a Wi-Fi network with a hidden SSID by manually entering the connection details. Additionally, for even greater security, you can also hide the network generated by the LabKey device, minimizing the visibility of your Wi-Fi infrastructure. This is particularly useful in professional environments and hospitality facilities where cybersecurity is a priority.

To learn more about LabKey access control solutions and hidden Wi-Fi network integration, visit our website: www.labkey.io/en.