Whenever you buy a Wifi device it should be noted that there are always two ways to connect it to the wireless network, one by selecting the network and entering the access key or password, the other via the WPS button, a little mode used, simple and very convenient to connect devices to the internet without having to memorize passwords. In each configuration panel of a router, there is always a section dedicated to WPS.
The abbreviation WPS is also written next to a small button that is always located on the back of the router, next to the ethernet port.
To understand what it is used for and how to use it, let's start with the meaning of WPS, an acronym for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, which represents a wireless network standard for making connections between the router and other devices faster and easier .
WPS only works for wireless networks protected with a WPA or WPA2 security key while it does not work with the now useless WEP protection.
To use WPS there are several ways.
In a normal configuration, you cannot connect a wireless device such as your computer to a wireless network whose name (called SSID) and password are unknown.
Normally, to connect to a Wifi network, it is necessary to select its name and then enter the security password.
With WPS this connection process is simplified a lot.
The connection can be made without writing any password, just press the WPS button on the router to activate the discovery of new devices and then, on the laptop or smartphone, select the network.
Some devices such as wireless printers may have their own WPS button to be used for establishing very fast connections.
You press the button on the router, then the button on the printer and you're done.
WPS automatically sends the network password to these devices so that they can remember it for future use.
To give the illusion of having more control in accessing the network via WPS, you can also activate the protection with an eight-digit PIN code .
All routers, even those without a WPS button, can still activate it by asking for a PIN code that is automatically generated and cannot be changed by users.
This PIN can be found from the WPS configuration page on the router.
The WPS connection via PIN can also be done in reverse, from devices without a WPS button, which can however generate a PIN (for example a Windows 10 PC).
On the router configuration panel you can then write this PIN to connect and add the PC to the network.
This method, as it is easy to guess, is a bit laborious and should be used only if the others are impossible.
Contrary to what one might think, while the first two methods are safe and very fast, the last two, those with the PIN, are to be avoided and do not provide any benefit in terms of ease of connection since if you have to enter a PIN, a lot then it is worth writing the network password.
The problem with WPS is that this PIN is generated by an algorithm that can be discovered and deciphered.
The WPS PIN is highly vulnerable to brute force attacks on passwords and it can take a few hours for a capable hacker to enter a network protected with WPS.
Now, it's not that we are all targets of good hackers who come to our house or who go out the door to try and access our network.
However, there is still a possibility that is good to know, especially if you live in a place with a high population density and there is the possibility that someone has all the time to enter our vulnerable network due to WPS.
Not surprisingly, in the past, I explained how easy it can be to find the WPA / WPA2 Wifi network password if WPS is enabled .
Which devices work with WPS "> enter the router and search for WPS options in the wireless settings.
As already mentioned, however, it would be advisable to disable the PIN of the WPS which can be a security problem.
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