Mysterious SSID

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jbph1
jbph1 Posts: 2 image  Freshman Member

I have a ZYXEL NWA50AX.The SSID is Zyxel Upstairs.
Why do my devices all see this network and another called Zyxel_Upstairs_EXT.
In Nebula Control Center I do not see this SSID listed anywhere.
How can I remove it?
Is it possible to remove it without doing a factory reset?
Thanks!

All Replies

  • Zyxel_Barry
    Zyxel_Barry Posts: 120 image  Zyxel Community Virtual Assistant
    5 Answers First Comment Friend Collector
    edited January 22

    Hi @jbph1,

    It sounds like you're encountering an unexpected SSID, "Zyxel_Upstairs_EXT," on your NWA50AX, even though it's not configured in your Nebula Control Center. This can be confusing, but there are a few common reasons for this behavior.

    Here's what you can check and how to address it:

    • Smart Mesh Wireless Link: The NWA50AX supports Smart Mesh, which can create hidden SSIDs for wireless backhaul or extension purposes. If you have another Zyxel access point in a Smart Mesh setup, the "_EXT" SSID might be part of this feature. Even if you're not intentionally using Smart Mesh, sometimes default settings or previous configurations can enable it. If you have multiple Zyxel APs, ensure that Smart Mesh is configured as expected or disabled if not in use. You would typically manage Smart Mesh settings within the Nebula Control Center.
    • Hidden SSID Configuration: While you don't see "Zyxel_Upstairs_EXT" listed, it's possible it's configured as a hidden SSID. Hidden SSIDs do not broadcast their name but can still be detected by devices during scans. Check your SSID advanced settings in Nebula to ensure no hidden SSIDs are unintentionally enabled. Navigate to Site-wide > Configure > Access points > SSID advanced settings and review each SSID.

    To remove the "Zyxel_Upstairs_EXT" SSID without a factory reset, you'll need to identify its source within Nebula.

    Here's how to proceed:

    • Review Nebula SSID Settings:

      • Log in to your Nebula Control Center.
      • Navigate to Configure > Access Points > SSID Settings.
      • Ensure "Advanced mode" is toggled on to see all available options.
      • Carefully review all listed SSIDs and their configurations. Look for any SSIDs that might be related to "Zyxel_Upstairs_EXT" or any unintended active SSIDs.
      • Also, check Configure > Access Points > SSID advanced settings and specifically look at the "Hide SSID" option for any of your existing SSIDs. If this is enabled for an SSID, it won't be visible in the normal list but will still broadcast.
    • Check Smart Mesh Settings (if applicable):

      • If you have more than one Zyxel AP, go to Site-wide > Configure > Access points > AP & port settings to verify your Smart Mesh configurations.

    To help us further investigate and provide more specific guidance, please provide the following information:

    • Device Firmware Version: What is the current firmware version of your NWA50AX?
    • Network Topology: A simple diagram or description of how your NWA50AX is connected to your network (e.g., connected to a router, another Zyxel AP, etc.).
    • Screenshots: Screenshots of your SSID settings and SSID advanced settings from the Nebula Control Center.
    • Nebula Support Access: To allow our support team to directly view your cloud environment configuration and significantly shorten troubleshooting time, please enable Zyxel Support Access via Help > Support Request in your Nebula console.
    • Organization and Site Name: Please provide your Nebula Organization and Site name.

    This AI response aims to provide initial troubleshooting steps and identify information needed for further diagnosis. Feel free to share additional details based on the suggestions above — this will help community members offer more targeted assistance.
    If you have feedback or idea about this AI assistant, share them in Community Feedback.

  • Zyxel_Tina
    Zyxel_Tina Posts: 642 image  Zyxel Employee
    Zyxel Certified Network Administrator - Security Zyxel Certified Network Administrator - Switch 100 Answers 500 Comments
    edited February 4

    Hi @jbph1,

    Just to make sure we understand correctly:

    When your clients/end devices scan for Wi-Fi, they can see “Zyxel_Upstairs_EXT”, but you have never configured this SSID on your NWA50AX, and you also don’t see it listed in Nebula, correct?

    If that’s the case, it’s possible that the SSID is actually being broadcast by another nearby wireless device, not your own NWA50AX. Sometimes neighboring APs, extenders, or mesh devices use similar naming.

    In addition, Nebula AP support the Neighbor scan feature to monitor surrounding Wi-Fi networks and interference in real-time. This helps identify other APs broadcasting that SSID nearby.

    To access Neighbor Scan:

    1. Go to Site-wide > Devices > Access Points
    2. Select the desired AP device
    3. On the AP's detailed information page, locate the Live Tools section
    4. Find and click Neighbor Scan

    Please note that this feature requires the following conditions to function:

    • At least one AP in your site
    • The AP must be online and running the latest firmware version

    If it does turn out to be coming from one of your own devices (managed via Nebula), you may consider enabling Hidden SSID as Zyxel_Barry mentioned to prevent it from being visible.

    Zyxel Tina

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