What is the WPS button on your wireless network for?
When you want to connect a device to a wireless network, without using WPS technology, the process is rather tedious. The device must be told which network to connect to, among all detectable networks, and then enter the password to access it. In some cases, if it is not detected by itself, it must also be told which connection security standard is used by the router. Admittedly, when the device picks up only one wireless network, the procedure is usually quite simple. But when there are several (especially in a large office), connecting your device can become very laborious, because the networks are identified by their respective SSID (Service Set Identifier) names. However, what many users do not know is that this whole process can be greatly simplified, thanks to the WPS button. This will become automatic: you will simply have to press the button and, in some cases, enter the WPS PIN code written on the router (usually on a sticker with the logo with the two darts).
Remark : As an alternative to the physical button, the WPS standard also requires entering a PIN code to connect a device to a Wi-Fi network.
What are the benefits of the WPS option?
- WPS can automatically configure the SSID and WPA security key for devices that support WPS network connections.
- Using this button, you won’t need to enter a long sequence of hexadecimal code (or passphrase) for login.
- You get maximum security: indeed, it is a secure connection method, because WPA generates keys randomly so that no one can understand them.
- When using the network name, i.e. SSID to connect to WPS-compatible network devices, you need to know the SSID security key and password (or passphrase).
If you want to pair two WPS devices that both have a button, simply press the router’s one until the associated LED flashes. From there, you’ll have about two minutes to press the button on the device you want to combine with the other to make communication between the two easier. The connection to the Wi-Fi network, via the router, will be done in a few seconds. Your devices don’t have a physical WPS button? No problem, there is another way to start this procedure via the configuration menus: again, you need to press the WPS button on the router, and then launch WPS also on the device. Note that Windows can also take advantage of this technology: after pressing the router button, look for the Wi-Fi network in the bottom right bar and the option “You can also connect by pressing the router button” will appear. On the other hand, in Android and iOS smartphones, you will find WPS functionality in the advanced network options.
Although WPS was designed to optimize security, it is not foolproof. It is therefore important to know its limits. For example, when you press the button, it is possible that a stranger is close enough to your router to pick up the network. Therefore, during the two minutes of WPS activity, he can connect simply by also activating the WPS on his device. Of course, the synchronization must be perfect: it will only be able to connect at the precise moment when you press the famous button and being close to the router. Something quite rare at home, but not impossible in an office. On the other hand, if you use the WPS via the PIN code, the matter becomes complicated for this possible inexperienced intruder. But not for a professional hacker: the “front door” of the WPS network is constantly open and the PIN is usually not very complicated (it often takes the form of a simple 4-digit number). Therefore, be careful, as any cybercriminal could easily break into your network.
