Wi-Fi Protected Setup

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Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a network security standard created by the Wi-Fi Alliance to facilitate the process of connecting devices to a secure wireless network. Introduced in 2007, WPS aims to simplify the process of configuring security on wireless networks, making it easier for users to set up a secure connection without needing to manually enter long passphrases.

Features

WPS provides several methods for connecting devices to a wireless network:

• Push Button Configuration (PBC): This method involves pressing a physical or virtual button on both the wireless router and the client device to establish a connection.
• PIN Entry: A unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) is provided by the router, which must be entered into the client device to connect.
• Near Field Communication (NFC): This method uses NFC technology to establish a connection by bringing the client device close to the router.
• USB Method: A USB drive is used to transfer network settings from the router to the client device.

Security Concerns

Despite its convenience, WPS has been criticized for its security vulnerabilities. The most notable issue is the susceptibility of the PIN method to brute-force attacks. Attackers can exploit the relatively short PIN to gain unauthorized access to the network. As a result, many security experts recommend disabling WPS on routers to enhance network security.

Alternatives

Given the security concerns associated with WPS, users are often advised to use more secure methods for configuring wireless networks, such as:

• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)
• 802.1X authentication
• Pre-shared key (PSK) configurations

See Also

• Wi-Fi
• Wi-Fi Alliance
• IEEE 802.11
• Wireless network security
• Wi-Fi Protected Access

Related Pages

• Wi-Fi
• Wi-Fi Protected Access
• Wi-Fi Alliance
• IEEE 802.11
• Wireless network security