If you have configured a router, you must have seen the word WPS or its icon.
Have you ever thought about what it does?
WPS helps you by pairing the devices with a simple button press.
It is very convenient to use.
But should you use it?
Today I will be discussing WPS, its uses, advantages and disadvantages.
I have also shared my thoughts on what I think about using WPS on your devices.
Lets get started and answer all your burning questions without wasting further time.
What is WPS?
WPS stands for Wifi Protected Setup.
It was introduced by Cisco and the Wi-fi Alliance in 2006.
It was a feature released as an easy way to connect your devices to the internet.
WPS was released, keeping in mind people less familiar with networking technology.
The networking terms will make you scratch your head.
It has many advanced options and configurations that an average user will never access.
Just see to it your router can search for your equipment.
Once the router locates your gear, the rest of the steps will proceed automatically.
Interesting, isnt it?
Lets see how the magic works.
This can be troublesome if the password is lengthy.
With WPS, you’ve got the option to connect to your connection in seconds.
Once WPS is activated, the router looks for devices trying to connect.
If the router finds a compatible unit, it will pair immediately.
No password is required.
This process is very similar to devices connecting using Bluetooth.
Most routers have a dedicated button for WPS.
you could find this at the back of the router.
Some routers place this at the front.
A status LED accompanies them.
The placement will vary in different models.
WPS buttons are labeled as WPS, so you might find them easily.
Note: Some routers can label the WPS button asWifi Protected Setup.
How to Use WPS?
you might use WPS in two ways: the button or PIN method.
Both are available in most routers and Networking devices used today.
If you are looking for the WPS button placement, see the earlier section.
Now lets look at how it’s possible for you to use WPS.
You have to press the WPS button in the router.
It will start looking for devices to connect.
It can have a blinking L.E.D, depending on your equipment model.
pick the web connection from your equipment, and you should join automatically.
How to Connect to Your data pipe Using the WPS PIN?
If Your router doesnt have a WPS button, dont worry.
it’s crucial that you enter a PIN provided by the router in its Control Menu.
Once in the Menu, go to Advanced controls and find Wireless.
Click WPS, and the WPS PIN will be there.
What Are the Benefits of WPS?
WPS was designed to connect devices without any hassle.
it’s possible for you to connect your rig with the push of a button.
No advanced knowledge of computer networks is required.
We have many smart devices in our Households.
Smart Bulbs and Smart plugs are some of them.
Imagine connecting all of them individually by using the password of your connection.
That is a lot of work to do.
WPS is an ideal solution to your problem in this case.
you’re free to press the WPS button and connect all your devices from their respective apps.
This saves you a ton of your time, and all your Smart devices are online instantly.
What Are the Drawbacks of Using WPS?
WPS remains active for two minutes once its button is pressed.
Any machine within the range of your connection can connect during this time.
While this is useful for your own devices, an unknown machine can quickly get into your Home connection.
WPS uses an 8-digit PIN.
When it connects to a rig, it only checks the last 4 digits.
By using combinations, only 11000 numbers can have 4 digits.
It can be guessed easily by applications using brute force.
Reports have been published online, demonstrating how to crack the WPS PIN.
Many people disable WPS entirely.
The primary concern is the ease with which you’re free to access ones private internet.
It allows you to scan the QR code provided by the Router.
Your rig will instantly connect without requiring any password.
It is more secure, safe and widely available to use.
Should I Use WPS in 2022?
WPA2 is a newer protocol that replaces WPS.
Data is encrypted using AES Encryption with a 256-bit key.
It is more secure and present in almost all networking devices.
So, to protect your devices and your data, it is advised to disable WPS.
If you have a modern router, it might be disabled for you already.
you’re free to check by your Routers model if the option to disable is present.
If you want a new gadget, check how it handles WPS.
verify if your router supports PIN-based WPS.
Remove the PIN from the sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Where can I find WPS on Android?
WPS is removed from Android 9.0 or newer versions due to security reasons.
If you are on an older version, go toNetwork configs>Wifi>More Options>WPS.
Where can I find WPS in Windows?
Windows do not have a separate controls menu for WPS.
Press the WPS button on the router, and your rig will connect now.
How to jump into the Routers Control Menu?
Final Thoughts
WPS is an easy method to connect your devices to the internet.
If you have many devices that need to be connected, WPS is the right candidate for the job.
However, there are drawbacks to it.
There are secure ways to connect, which increases your Networks security.
Using WPS may come between convenience and safety.
I have tried to cover WPS in its entirety.
Hope this helps you out next time when you configure your web connection devices.
Till then, its Goodbye.
