What is SSID Broadcast?

Thisis a function performed by an Access Point that transmits its name sothat wireless stations searching for a network connection can'discover' it. It's what allows your wireless adapter's client managerprogram or Windows XP's built-in wireless software to give you a listof the in-range Access Points.

The ability to disable SSID broadcast essentially makes your Access Point invisible unlessa wireless client already knows the SSID, or is using tools thatmonitor or 'sniff' traffic from an AP's associated clients.