Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

connection problem with hidden SSID

At my work they have several Cisco Aironet 1200 Access points (AP). The AP have two SSID's. One SSID is visible and the other SSID is hidden. Both are secured with WPA TK-IP. Both work fine on laptops etc. I must use the second hidden SSID to connect to the internet.

I have successfully installed/configured the hidden SSID on my iPhone 3G but it is an half working solution.

Every time i want to use Wifi (hidden SSID), the iPhone 3G only uses 3G for internet.
Only when I go to Settings on the iPhone 3G, --> Wifi and wait a few secs the hidden SSID is visible and the iPhone connects perfectly. Then I press the home-button and I can use for example Safari or Mail over Wifi.

When I put the iPhone 3G to sleep en lets say use the iPhone 10 minutes later I only can use 3G for internet. No Wifi is visible.
In other means, the iPhone don't start the hidden SSID Wifi connection by itself 😟

The only way to work with the hidden SSID is going true settings, --> Wifi. Then the iPhone 3G finds the hidden SSID directly. Then when the iPhone stays on i can use WiFi (with the hidden SSID).


Is there an solution so that the iPhone 3G automatic connects tot the hidden SSID when I use the iPhone?



(I have erased the network settings via Setup. This don't solve the problem. Have iPhone 3G with firmware 2.2, problem also with firmware 2.1)

Mac Pro 2,66Ghz, 2Gig ram, 2x 500Gig HD, iPhone 3G (fw2.2), Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 5:11 AM

Reply
7 replies

Jan 20, 2009 7:18 PM in response to Erik_B

Have you tried it with other hidden wifi networks (if possible)? Does it properly auto-connect to visible wifi nets? I have 2 wifi nets configured on my iPhone, one hidden and the other not. The iphone remembers both and automatically connects as soon as I walk close enough.

My 2 networks are configured with WPA2, MAC filtering, and reserved IP addresses for each device (no IP renewals).

I don't know specifically how the iPhone works but maybe it's trying to remember a previous IP and its causing a conflict because the work wifi is using DHCP. I also heard MAC filters on routers/switches can cause problems (though mine doesn't). I'd suggest asking some IT guys at your workplace how their security set up.

Apr 6, 2009 11:54 AM in response to Erik_B

I have the same exact setup that you are talking about at our office as well.

Cisco Aironet 1200 AP
SSID #1 - Hidden / WPA
SSID #2 - Visible / WPA

It connects to both SSIDs fine by selecting them, however, it will not automatically connect to the hidden SSID after it goes to sleep and resumes. I even removed all of the WIFI profiles so that it only stored the WPA key for the hidden SSID.

I have read other posts that state that the iPhone/iPod Touch will not automatically connect to hidden SSIDs.

Is this true?

Is there a reason for this even after you've generated a profile for a hidden SSID?

Very annoying...

May 2, 2009 9:41 PM in response to Erik_B

I have the same issue. Have two wireless networks at home with Cisco 871W router which are using WPA2 security. Broadcasted network is used for guests and internal network has my trusted computers connected. Iphone 3G will only connect to hidden SSID when manually detecting SSID on network connections settings. Once Iphone hibernates, it drops connection and defaults to 3G connection.

May 28, 2009 1:14 PM in response to Erik_B

I'm having the exact same issue with my iPhone 3G. Two different wifi networks at my office, one public, the other "staff only" with a hidden SSID and a long WEP password. If the iPhone goes idle, the network disconnects and will not auto-reconnect. If I go into Settings->WiFi and wait a few seconds, the SSID I previously added manually will appear and I can connect and use it normally. As soon as the phone goes idle again, though, the connection drops again.

All the research I've done suggests this is a problem without a solution, but if anyone figures out something I'd love to know.

connection problem with hidden SSID

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.