My laptop is showing a wi fi signal from a hidden network. When I click connect it says enter an ssid number. Obviously I don't know it so return to my normal settings but then when I go back to available wi fi signals it is no longer there. I have noticed this hidden network doesn't appear on my tablet. Can anybody explain what a hidden network is and why it appears and disappears on my laptop but not tablet. I have googled this but haven't found enough relevant info to answer my question. Thanks.

A 'hidden' WiFi network is - for the most part - just like a normal one, with the difference that the device running the network has been set to not broadcast the name of the network.

The SSID is the name of the network, and the way WiFi security works you need to know the SSID to be able to connect to the network. Some people, therefore, believe that hiding the network provides additional security.

However, hiding the network doesn't really provide additional security as any devices that want to connect to the network have to broadcast the name of the network in the clear so it's actually quite easy to find the name of a hidden network.

Some information from Microsoft on the behaviour of Windows regarding hidden WiFi networks and why it isn't really an extra security measure can be found here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l.../bb726942.aspx

It's one that doesn't advertise its SSID, so you can only connect if you know the SSID by other means.

It's a (not very effective) security measure.

I suspect the tablet can see something but just doesn't choose to show you it.

Thanks to you both for the explanation. It was something I haven't come across before.