Does Norton 360 create a virtual WiFi network? My WiFi Data app, Android, shows an identical 5 GHz network but, without an SSID. Though it has a BSSID almost the same as the "regular" one, with an SSID. Virtual BSSID = x6:xx:xx:xx:xx:xb "Regular" BSSID = x4:xx:xx:xx:xx:xa Both: same channel, frequency, signal strengt, channel width and security (WPA2 PSK). Strangely, neither the SSID nor the virtual 5 GHz network shows the "Vendor" but, the 2GHz, with SSID and no virtual network shows the manufacturer, "Vendor", of the router. The router settings does not give me any clue, as to why this virtual network exists. Moreover, the ISP tech support can't explain the issue. Furthermore, if connected, the phone's Diagnostics says "WiFi not working", though it does work. The phone manufacturer's tech support could not explain the phenomenon. I have Glasswire (and N360) on my mobiles and computers - oddly I can't see anything that could explain these issues. Providing several AI chat robots with all possible data, tampering seems to be a rather high ranking possibility. So, is this virtual 5GHz network a N360 legitimate "feature" or not?
Have you identified the issue? If so, please post what you found so it might help others that might see the same thing.
As N360 is not the culprit, the issue can be seen as “solved”.
Thank You’ll for Your respond.
Who is your ISP provider and what device from them are you using? What are the make of the mobile devices? Have you disabled smart switch in your router settings and tried dedication of channel 36, 40, 44, or 48 ? Those are the most commonly used channels. More info here:
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000058989/wireless/intel-killer-wi-fi-products.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WLAN_channels#5_GHz_(802.11a/h/j/n/ac)
SA
The router has 5GHz and 2GHz with smart switch capability. The mobiles connect to the 5GHz band but, on a channel that is not in the routers channel list. The connection therefor becomes offset 10 MHz but, within the bandwith of adjacent channels on the router. Everything else suggested here, and much more, has already been done, assisted by AI robots. Just wanted to rule out any N360 involvement.
If the router does not have 5Ghz, the phones cannot use a 5Ghz connection. You would have to set them up on the 2.4Ghz connection to the router. When you got the new router, did you set it up with the same SSID and password as the old one? Even if the phone did connect without any new settings being made on the phone, try 'forgetting' the old connection and then reconnect to the new router.
Any luck with my suggestion to turn off the Private Wifi Address setting for your connection?
I received a new router, before posting. I always, immediately, change all passwords and checks all settings. Now, after a new lengthy chat with an AI robot, I have narrowed the issue down to a probable culprit. The mobiles (the issue present on several phones) are mismatched as to what channel/frequency should be used - The router does not have the 5GHz channel/frequency that the phones stubbornly use. The virtual network might be a way for the router to remedy the discrepancy. I have to dig deeper, into how the router handles a situation as described. Maybe the manufacturer can provide some information.
One thing of note, has the default admin login username and password for your ISP device ever been changed from its factory default? And has your default factory WiFi password been changed as well?
Make sure your ISP device is running its latest firmware as well. A factory reset of that device also may be in order, as a last resort replace it with a new on from your ISP. BTW who is your ISP provider and what device from them are you using?
SA
One suggestion I have. In iOS Settings > Wifi, tap on the information icon beside your connected network. See if you have Private Wi-Fi Address turned on. If so, turn it off and see if you are still seeing the multiple SSID's.
The virtual network shows on/off behaviour, while the regular, SSID, one is steady - So, more like a surveillance issue. Glasswire are payed subscriptions, on phones and computers (latest updates). The router is provided by the ISP, probably with backdoor, definatively remote controlled. Why then is the ISP's tech support not able to see the issue, given lots of details?
It’s there with or without VPN.
I don't think this is related to N360 or its VPN. This article may help explain the basics of what is going on a bit. BSSID's are usually configured via a MAC address suggesting. The identical network may be a rootkit installed on your network routing device. If this a privately secured home network an BSSID should never be present.
https://www.atera.com/blog/computer-terms-unwrapped-what-is-bssid/#:~:text=an%20IT%20business.-,What%20exactly%20is%20BSSID%3F,to%20connect%20to%20the%20WiFi.
BSSID is the unique identifier for a specific access point within a wireless network. It distinguishes between multiple access points sharing the same SSID. BSSID helps devices pinpoint the exact access point to connect to, ensuring a seamless and stable wireless connection, especially in areas with multiple access points.
What Glasswire software are you using? https://www.glasswire.com/
SA
Do you have a VPN active when you see this 'phantom wifi'? That might explain what you are seeing.