A network administrator is configuring a WLAN. Why would the administrator disable the broadcast feature for the SSID?

The administrator would disable the broadcast feature for the SSID primarily to eliminate outsiders scanning for available SSIDs in the area. Disabling the SSID broadcast makes the network name (SSID) invisible to wireless-enabled devices during a passive scan. It doesn’t provide encryption or protect against interference from external devices; instead, it acts as a basic measure to hide the network from casual discovery, which can slightly increase security by obscurity.

Here’s a look at why the other options are not correct:

• To reduce the risk of interference by external devices such as microwave ovens: Interference from electronic devices affects the wireless signal’s quality but has nothing to do with SSID broadcast. Disabling SSID broadcast does not mitigate such interference.
• To reduce the risk of unauthorized APs being added to the network: Disabling SSID broadcast does not prevent unauthorized access points (APs) from being added to the network. Network security protocols and access control methods are necessary to prevent unauthorized APs.
• To provide privacy and integrity to wireless traffic by using encryption: Disabling SSID broadcast does not encrypt wireless traffic. Privacy and integrity are achieved through encryption protocols like WPA2/WPA3 with AES, not by hiding the SSID.