Hello everyone!
Today, I'd like to introduce WPS. WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Settings. It is a wireless network security standard designed to make connections between routers and wireless devices faster and easier. WPS is only available for wireless networks that use passwords encrypted through the WPA Personal or WPA2 Personal security protocols.
Some manufacturers may use the following terms instead of WPS (Push Button) to describe this function.
Wi-Fi Simple Config
Push 'n' Connect
PBC
Quick Secure Setup (QSS)
How to Use the WPS Function
WPS can sometimes simplify the connection process. Here's an overview of the 4 methods for WPS connectivity:
First, press the WPS button on the router to turn on the discovery of the new device. Then, go to your device and select the network you want to connect to. The device automatically connects to the wireless network without entering a network password.
You may have devices such as a wireless printer with WPS buttons or a range extender that can be used for quick connections. Press the WPS button on your router and then press the button on these devices to connect them to your wireless network. You do not need to enter any data during this process. WPS automatically sends the network password and these devices remember it for future use. They can connect to the same network in the future without you having to use the WPS button again.
The third method involves using an octet PIN. All WPS-enabled routers have an auto-generated PIN that the user cannot change. You can find this PIN on the WPS configuration page of the router. Some WPS-enabled devices that do not have a WPS button will require this PIN. If you type it in, they authenticate themselves and connect to the wireless network.
The last approach involves using an eight-digit PIN. Some WPS-enabled devices that do not have a WPS button will generate a client PIN. You can then enter this PIN in the wireless configuration panel of the router and the router will use it to add the device to the network.
The WPS function of Huawei ONTs supports three implementation modes: key configuration (PBC), PIN input configuration (PIN), and AP PIN. In PIN mode, enter the STA PIN on the ONT to implement a secure WPS connection. In AP PIN mode, enter the PIN generated by the ONT to implement WPS secure connection.
For details about which connection mode should be selected and how to implement it, click:
How to use the WPS function of a Huawei ONT
How to Find the WPS Button on the Router
Because wireless routers are routers that manage wireless connections through WPS, they are the most popular type of device that supports this network security standard. Almost all modern routers support WPS. On many routers, WPS is enabled by default. Enable WPS manually through the router's firmware and its management user interface or using the WPS button.
On most routers, the WPS button is located on the back of the router, near the Ethernet port. Press once and WPS is enabled and functioning properly. You can then connect your wireless device via WPS. In the following figure, you can see the appearance of this button on the Huawei EchoLife HG8245H.
The following figure shows the appearance of the WPS button on routers from other vendors. You should consult the router's manual for where the WPS button is placed and what it looks like.
What Other Devices and Operating Systems Work with WPS
You can find WPS support on many network devices. For example, a modern wireless printer might have a WPS button for a quick connection. The range extender or repeater can connect to your wireless network via WPS. WPS is supported on laptops, tablets, smartphones, and a variety of 2-in-1 devices with the help of the operating system.
WPS adoption has not been high when it comes to operating systems for which native support is provided. Fortunately, WPS is supported by widely used operating systems on the market, such as Windows and Android.
Conclusion
According to the preceding information, you may have fully understood the WPS function. However, it should be added that although many advantages of the WPS function are described, WPS also has security risks and is vulnerable to attacks. Because WPS' PIN is insecure and easily cracked, and the WPS standard requires a PIN to be used on your router, the wireless router will generate it even if you never use it.
So have you used WPS to connect your device to a wireless network? How did it work for you? Did you choose to shut it down because of a security vulnerability? Welcome to discuss and share in the message area!
Thanks for reading!
Part of Content Source: digital citizen
