Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a latest standard published by the Wi-Fi Alliance with the aim of simplifying the configuration process to establish a secure wireless home network. Previously, users need to manually setup a Wireless Network Name (SSID) and assign a passphrase as an encryption to secure their wireless network. This can not be done without an extensive knowledge in wireless networking.

With WPS, the entire configuration process will be automatically configured with two methods:

1. Push Button Configuration (PBC), in which the user simply has to push a button, either an actual or virtual one, on both WPS device.
2. Personal Information Number (PIN), in which a PIN is taken from a sticker or a display and entered into the Access Point (AP) or other WPS devices to connect.

Note: To learn how to use the PIN and PBC method, click here.

Advantages of WPS

1. WPS automatically configures the wireless network.
2. There is no need to know the SSID and passphrase to connect to the wireless network.
3. The key is randomly generated and less predictable minimizing the risk of network intrusion.
4. Eliminates the need to enter complicated hexadecimal passphrase.
5. WPS introduce Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) in WPA2 encryption that allows secure transmission of sensitive information.

Disadvantages of WPS

1. Devices without WPS certification is not able to take advantage of the enhanced security provided by WPS.
2. Non WPS devices will require the user to enter the long hexadecimal passphrase manually.
3. WPS does not supports "Ad Hoc" connection that allows devices to communicate directly with each other. All connections must go through the AP.
4. Not all devices support WPS as the technology is still new.

 

Related articles :

Connecting devices using Wi-Fi Protected Setupâ„¢ (WPS) on your Linksys router
Methods of using Wi-Fi Protected Setupâ„¢ (WPS)

 

Was this support article useful?

Additional Support Questions?
Search Again