diff --git a/phpseclib/Net/SSH2.php b/phpseclib/Net/SSH2.php
index 395da5a2..0a641ca2 100644
--- a/phpseclib/Net/SSH2.php
+++ b/phpseclib/Net/SSH2.php
@@ -1038,7 +1038,7 @@ class Net_SSH2
             return false;
         }
 
-        $this->bitmap = NET_SSH2_MASK_CONNECTED;
+        $this->bitmap|= NET_SSH2_MASK_CONNECTED;
 
         return true;
     }