The Cerbo GX WiFi Access Point broadcasts its Serial number as the SSID by default. My System is in my RV and while in a campground with a large concentration Victron systems, I noticed that while looking for a WiFi signal, I could see all the Cerbo GX serial numbers and of course anyone would be able to see mine. I would like to change my SSID to remove the serial number, but I can’t figure out where to change what is being broadcast. Does anyone have anyone know how to do that? I have changed the device name in System Setup, but that is not the SSID
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@guystewart I also think that this item should be included in the GX menu. It would generally not be good to broadcast a devices serial number, particularly if there is also an algorithm for deducing the password from the serial number. Also option to hide the SSID broadcast should be included.
Thanks for pushing this forward. It is a security issue that could allow access to my system and others especially in a Victron rich location like a large campground where a prankster/hacker could wreak havoc should they be able to acquire passwords. As a retired IT pro, I am surprised this has not been previously addressed as it is such a basic practice. Never a fan of typical provider SSID naming. Might as well put a sign on the lawn… Hey, hack me… My SSID is…
Quick fix for now would be to turn off the GX access point, and use your phone as the access point to which the GX connects when available. Or remain copper bound and turn off the Wifi and Bluetooth.
Hardwire not an option in the RV world, and I could just turn it off but.. I use a tablet via WiFi instead of a GX touch display. Running an HDMI cable not always an easy or convenient option in a travel trailer. Works great, it’s portable, and my non-tech partner can understand the simple gui.
You should be able to set up a hotspot on the tablet? Then to get the Cerbo to connect to that…
Internet connectivity is not the objective or even desired in my case. (I do connect to the VRM via my home network when at home). Many tablets, including mine do not have cellular (hotspot) capability. The idea here is that the Cerbo GX has a built-in WiFi Access Point feature that creates a local network of the connected Victron devices to monitor and manage the local environment. Additionally, it enables the display of the Victron Remote Console GUI on a device such as a tablet (iPad or Android) that has the VictronConnect App installed and that is able to connect to that local network simply by searching for the correct SSID via the tablet’s WiFi connection and providing the correct password making a tethered Victron display unnecessary. My devices include Cerbo GX, iPad 6, Multiplus II 12/3000 with VE Bus smart dongle, BMV-712, Links distributor, 3 Victron Smart MPPT 100/50 controllers, 1400w solar on 3 serial strings on the roof of the RV and a 6 00w lithium battery bank. This works very well for monitoring and managing from within the RV, and the BMV-712 displays the battery status at glance in the equipment bay.
Section7 (specifically 7.2) of the Cerbo GX manual details how to use this feature.
While it would be nice to also have a secure encrypted connection, I would settle for anonymity in not transmitting the device type and serial number to anyone within range that happens to be looking. This is my RV and not my home network, and since it doesn’t have any internet, the risks are limited to loss of settings and malicious mischief. However, it would be devastating both monetarily and physically to have any part of my solar system compromised while on the road for several months. Changing the SSID will make my system just a little bit less vulnerable just as my car alarm makes my car less likely to be stolen over the one with the keys left in the ignition.
More than you wanted to know?
By ‘Hotspot’ I meant that the source of the wifi network becomes the tablet, rather then the Cerbo, but not implying any cellular connection to the internet. So the Cerbo just ‘listens’ for this wifi network to appear, and then will connect to it. Then the Cerbo GUI can be accessed in the normal way. This will be more secure than letting the Cerbo source the network, and more under your control. It should not affect any other part of your connectivity.
Unfortunately, the iPad 6 I am using does not have the capability to be a hotspot, the settings described for activating don’t exist on a WiFi only device. Do you know more about this method on a WiFi-only tablet than I have been able to find?