The WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button makes it easy to connect devices without having to enter a password. The WPS button can be found at the back or front of a router and also other devices like a printer.
If you often check your router or bought a new one, you might have seen a button marked as WPS. If you are unsure of its use, you might be puzzled about whether it is relevant to your router. The WPS initials mean WiFi Protected Setup.
It is an important button that helps connect compatible devices to a wireless network through the router. This acts as an alternative to entering the WiFi password. You can turn it on or off to reduce security threats through the setup page.
In this article, we will discuss more about the WPS button, how to check whether the router has the WPS button, how to turn it on, WPS advantages and disadvantages, and whether all WiFi devices can connect to the WPS.
What is WPS on the router?
WPS stands for WiFi Protected Setup. When the WPS button is pressed, the router automatically starts looking for compatible devices to connect to them. Whenever you purchase a new router, it comes with a default password that might be hard to remember. However, you can change it.
The WPS function saves the day as you won't need to input a password to connect to the wireless network. So basically, whenever the WPS button is connected, it assumes that all devices nearby are allowed to connect to the router. Simply, it makes connecting to the wireless network easier.
How To Check Whether The Router Has WPS?
The WPS button is often located at the back or front of the router. You can see the WPS word, symbol, or WiFi-protected setup words. However, not all routers come with the WPS button. It is an important feature, but a router can still function without it.
How To Turn On The WPS Function – How To Connect Devices Through WPS
The WPS button lets you connect all WiFi-compatible devices in the router's range. There are various ways you can connect to a wireless network through the WPS:
Method 1: By pressing the WPS button on the router, you can connect all nearby WiFi-enabled devices like your tablet, smartphone, or laptop. You won't even need to enter a password. However, a prompt will appear requesting to connect to WPS. Thereafter, you must go to your device and choose the network you want to connect to.
Method 2: Some printers or range extenders come with the WPS buttons. Therefore, when you press the WPS on the router, you should press the WPS button on the printer to connect to the wireless network. The best thing about this is that the devices will remember this and will connect to the router in the future when the WPS function is enabled.
Method 3: Routers with WPS capability also automatically generate an eight-digit PIN. In some devices that don't have the WPS button, you might need to enter the pin to connect to the router.
Method 4: Other devices without a WPS button but support WPS may generate a client PIN, which you can then enter into the router's wireless configuration panels to connect the devices.
Can All WiFi Devices Connect To WPS?
No, not all WiFi devices can connect to WPS. Also, old devices created before the evolution of WPS may not connect when the WPS button is clicked. The WPS functionality is available on laptops, tablets, smartphones, printers, etc. Luckily, you will need software and not the button in some cases.
Pros And Cons Of WPS.
The WPS has its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros of WPS
- Connecting to the wireless network is quick if both devices have the WPS buttons or are WPS.
- It is easy to connect through the WPS button without technical skills.
- Most networking devices support WPS and other operating systems like Windows, Android, and Linux.
- It is straightforward and not that complicated.
Cons of WPS
- It isn't secure due to cybersecurity threats since anyone can access the WiFi network without your consent.
- Apple devices can't connect to WiFi through WPS
- It doesn't work with WEP security protocol.
FAQ
Q. Is WPS Safe to Use?
It is both safe and unsafe to use WPS. It is safe when all the compatible devices are authorized, as it saves time and the hassle of entering the passwords. However, it is unsafe since anyone can connect to the wireless connection, even leading to a security breach or cybersecurity threats. Also, even when the WPS is disabled, some devices keep it activated and can connect anytime.
Q. What is a WPS pin?
WPS pins are generated by the router and the client device which wants to connect to the wireless connection. You can then input the pin in the connection wizard to access WiFi.
Q. What are the security requirements for WPS passwords?
WPS is available for wireless networks that require a password. They must also be encrypted with the WPA, WPA2, or WPA3 security protocols. However, it doesn't work on devices with WEP security since it can easily be hacked.
Connect Devices To Your Router With The WPS Button
The WPS button makes connecting devices easily to a wireless network. Therefore, you won't need to enter a password to connect the devices. However, sometimes, you must enter a PIN into the device and the router to connect.
Also, it is a great way to connect multiple devices. The only issue might be any security breach since any device could connect to the wireless device. Therefore, you must be cautious of the devices nearby to prevent security issues.
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