What Is WPS?

Date First Published: 21st May 2022

Topic: Computer Networking

Subtopic: Network Standards

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 6/10

CONTENTS

How Does WPS Work?
Differences Between WPS and WPA
Advantages and Disadvantages Of WPS

Learn more about what WPS is in this article.

Short for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, WPS, originally known as Wi-Fi Simple Config is a standard used for setting up secure wireless home networks and small office networks in a simpler way. It was developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 2006 and was designed to make wireless networks easier to configure for those who are inexperienced with technology. It is compatible with Windows and Android, but operating systems, such as iOS and macOS cannot connect by WPS.

How Does WPS Work?

WPS is designed to make it easier to set up a wireless network. It allows users to skip the process of connecting to a network, finding the network name (SSID), and entering the password. If there is a WPS PIN number on the bottom of the router or access point, it is WPS enabled. WPS networks allow multiple devices to be connected in three ways:

PIN entry - In order to prevent unauthorised use of the network, all WPS networks require a PIN number every time a new device connects, which is labelled on the router. It is generated by the router or access point and this is the most secure method of connecting.
Push-button configuration - Devices can be connected to the network by pushing a button on a router that is labelled 'WPS'. Once the button is turned on, devices can be wirelessly connected to the router by choosing the WPS option on a device. Then, the device will successfully be connected. This method allows any nearby user to connect to the network without entering the password, creating a possibility for unauthorised use of the network and it is not recommended to leave WPS on for extended periods of time.
Near field communication - A form of contactless communication where network settings are transferred to a new near-field communication compatible device. The device has to be close to the access point to allow near-field communication. This is a more secure method that prevents unauthorised devices from connecting to the network.
USB – A USB drive is used to transfer data between the access point and the device. This mode has been deprecated and support for it is optional.

Differences Between WPS and WPA

WPS and WPA look similar, but they are completely different technologies. WPS does not add any extra security to a network. It is just a simpler method of connecting devices to a wireless home network without having to enter the password or find the network name (SSID). WPA is a security protocol that encrypts communications in a wireless network.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of WPS

The advantages of WPS are:

It allows an easy method of connecting to a wireless home network and does not require users to enter a password and find the network name (SSID). WPS only requires a button on the router to be pressed or a PIN number to be entered when WPS is turned on. It simplifies the process of connecting to a network.
It is encrypted by WPA2 security protocols.
There is no risk of the password getting cracked as the connection is temporarily opened for a short period of time and then closed when the connection is successful.

The disadvantages of WPS are:

It can allow unauthorised users to access the network. Especially when WPS is turned on by push button configuration, any device can wirelessly connect to the network with no PIN number or password. This could allow nearby users to peek at the data sent through the wireless connection. Ideally, WPS should not be left on all the time.
It is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Since the 8-digit PIN numbers are divided into two blocks that contain four digits, it is possible for the first four digits to be brute-forced and the next four digits to be brute-forced within a day, allowing unauthorised users to gain access to the network. In general, WPS is not completely secure.
It is incompatible with WEP. WEP is an older security standard that has been superseded by WPA due to critical weaknesses and vulnerabilities. However, some users with old systems that do not support WPA may still use WEP. WEP will not work with WPS.