2023-04-22 19:07:56
What does the WPS button on your wireless network do?
A router – Source: spm
When you want to connect a device to a wireless network, without using WPS technology, the process is rather tedious. You have to tell the device which network to connect to, among all the detectable networks, and then enter the password to access it. In some cases, if it is not detected by itself, it must also be told which connection security standard is used by the router. Admittedly, when the device picks up only one wireless network, the procedure is generally quite simple. But when there are several (especially in a large office), connecting your device can become very laborious, because the networks are identified by their respective SSID (Service Set Identifier) names. However, what many users do not know is that this whole process can be greatly simplified, thanks to the WPS button. This will become automatic: you just have to press the button and, in some cases, enter the WPS PIN code written on the router (usually on a sticker bearing the logo with the two darts).
Noticed : As an alternative to the physical button, the WPS standard also requires the entry of a PIN code to connect a device to a Wi-Fi network.
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What are the advantages of the WPS option?
- The WPS function can automatically configure the SSID and WPA security key for devices that support WPS network connections.
- By using this button, you won’t need to enter a long sequence of hex code (or passphrase) for login.
- You benefit from maximum security: indeed, it is a secure connection method, because WPA generates keys randomly so that no one can understand them.
- If using the network name i.e. SSID to connect to WPS-enabled network devices, you need to know the SSID security key and password (or passphrase).
Router WPS button – Source: spm
If you want to pair two WPS devices both equipped with a button, just press the button on the router until the associated LED flashes. From there, you will have about two minutes to press the button on the device you want to pair with the other to facilitate communication between the two. Connection to the Wi-Fi network, via the router, will be done in a few seconds. Your devices do not have a physical WPS button? No problem, there is another way to launch this procedure via the configuration menus: again, you must press the WPS button on the router, then launch WPS on the device as well. Note that Windows can also take advantage of this technology: after pressing the button on the router, look for the Wi-Fi network in the bar at the bottom right and the option ” You can also connect by pressing the button on the router ” will appear. On the other hand, in Android and iOS smartphones, you will find the WPS feature in the advanced network options.
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Although the WPS function was designed to optimize security, it is still not infallible. It is therefore important to know its limits. For example, when you press the button, a stranger may be close enough to your router to pick up the network. From then on, during the two minutes of WPS activity, he can connect simply by also activating WPS on his device. Of course, the synchronization must be perfect: it will only be able to connect at the precise moment when you press the famous button and while being near the router. Something quite rare at home, but not impossible in an office. On the other hand, if you use the WPS via the PIN code, the matter becomes more complicated for this possible inexperienced intruder. But not for a professional hacker: the ” front door » of the WPS network is constantly open and the PIN is generally not very complicated (it often takes the form of a simple 4-digit number). Therefore, be careful because any cybercriminal could easily break into your network
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