What does WPS mean on WIFI Routers?
WPS is a term that you most likely have come across if you have ever set up a wireless network at home. You may have noticed a button labeled WPS on the router’s back, or the term WPS in its configuration menu. Have you ever wondered what this button means? It is also supported by various operating systems and devices.
WPS, or WIFI Protected Setting up, is a wireless security standard that makes it easier and more efficient to connect a router with wireless devices. WPS is only compatible with wireless networks, as the name implies. It uses a password encrypted with WPA2 or WPA personal security protocols.
Wireless networks that use WEP security will not work with WPS. Hackers can crack WEP security much more easily than WPS with just a few basic skills and tools.
WPS was created to make it easier to connect devices to WIFI. To connect your smart device or laptop to your WIFI network, first, navigate to your device settings. Next, select your wireless network and enter your security code. Finally, click OK.
This is necessary to connect your device to the WIFI. WPS allows you to connect to the network without needing to enter a password or go through this process. It creates a wireless network using secure WPA data encryption, an SSID, and authentication.
How WPS works
It’s obvious what you understand, but how does it work? What does it do to simplify wireless connection?
To turn on the router for the discovery of new devices, press the WPS button located at the router’s back. Select the WIFI network that you wish to connect from on your smartphone. It will then automatically connect to it. It won’t require you to input your network password.
Every other device in your house with a WPS button, such as range extenders or wireless printers, will be able to connect faster to the network. You can connect them simply by pressing the WPS buttons. No data is required.
WPS does this by sending the password automatically to the device, and they will keep it safe for future use. You don’t even have to press the button again. You will need to enter an 8-device code if you have devices without a WPS button. The code can be found on the WPS configuration page. Once the code has been created, users cannot alter it.
WPS can be enabled on all routers. However, some must be turned on via the router firmware or administration interface. WPS can be turned on/off in some models.
This model can be turned on/off by pressing the button. WPS will be turned on if you long-press the button three more times. You don’t have to worry about anyone intruding as WPS does not create the security key.
WPS Supported Operating Systems
WPS adoption isn’t very popular when it comes to the operating system. WPS is the only OS that works well with the most important OSes on the market like Android and Windows.
Windows has been able to support native WPS since 2007. This support was introduced in Windows Vista, and it is supported by Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. WPS native support was added to Android in 4.0v Ice Cream Sandwich, which was released in 2011. All versions of Android after that date have WPS support. WPS is not compatible with iOS or Apple’s OS X operating system.
Other devices that work with WPS
Other networking equipment also supports WPS. For fast connection, modern wireless printers have a WPS button. Repeaters and range extenders can also connect to your network via WPS. With their operating systems’ support, other devices include smartphones and tablets, laptops, as well as 2-in-1 devices.
In conclusion
WPS makes connecting to your network faster and easier, but the pin is not secure and can easily be hacked. WPS used the pin from your router, not the one that you created. WPS is vulnerable to brute force and hackers, regardless of whether you have used the pin. Even with all these advantages, security needs to be improved.