What happens when a wireless access point is configured to stop broadcasting the SSID?

When a wireless access point is configured to stop broadcasting the SSID (Service Set Identifier), it means that the network name of the Wi-Fi network will not be publicly visible to devices scanning for Wi-Fi networks. Here's what happens step by step:

1. The wireless access point is configured to stop broadcasting the SSID. This is usually done through the access point's settings, which can be accessed through a web browser.

2. Once this setting is saved, the access point will stop sending out the SSID in the beacon frames it broadcasts. Beacon frames are packets of information that are sent out by a wireless access point to announce its presence to wireless devices.

3. When a device scans for available Wi-Fi networks, the network with the hidden SSID will not appear in the list of available networks. This is because the device uses the information in the beacon frames to compile this list, and the SSID is not included in these frames when it's set to be hidden.

4. However, this does not mean that the network is completely invisible or inaccessible. If a device knows the exact SSID and the security key, it can still connect to the network by manually entering this information.

5. This can add a layer of security to the network, as it makes it less visible to casual users or potential intruders. However, it's important to note that this should not be the only security measure used, as the network can still be detected by more sophisticated methods.