Networking Basics: WPS, What It Is and Why It Matters

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conceptos basicos de redes wps que es y por que es importante 1 1000x600.jpg

We continue with our round of specials focused on networking basics. Today, we are putting our focus on WPS, a concept that is not new, but which remains undoubtedly as one of the most important when we talk about Wi-Fi networks.

In this article we are going to explain what exactly is WPS, and we will also see why it is important. As always, if after reading the article you have any kind of doubt, don’t worry, you can leave it in the comments and we will be happy to help you solve it.

At the beginning: What is WPS and what is it for?

This is the acronym for “Wi-Fi Protected Setup”, a standard that arrived in 2007, that is, about 14 years ago, and whose objective is to facilitate the connection of WLAN networks, that is, of wireless Internet connections.

What we have just said is very important, since WPS is not some kind of security standard, nor does it act as a protection system. Nothing is further from reality, it is a feature that allows us to establish an Internet connection, wirelessly, in a way fast, simple and reliable.

The WPS standard works in a very simple way. We can activate it in our router through its configuration menu, and use it later at the push of a button dedicated that can come on the side, on the front or even on the back of it. Everything will depend on the router we are using, obviously.

WPS networking basics, what it is and why it matters

When we press the button we can, for a short time, connect, wirelessly, a device that is nearby. The normal thing is that, to be able to do it, we have to enter a PIN code, and not the password of our Wi-Fi network. This is especially useful in cases where we use a very long and complex password.

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Why is WPS important?

It is true that, in recent years, this standard has been the subject of strong criticism, especially for security reasons, but the truth is that in the end it is an option that can be very useful in certain cases. I myself, without going any further, recently turned to him to connect a printer to my Wi-Fi network in seconds.

But that’s not the only example I can give you. I also remember that, many years ago, I was not able to connect another older printer that I had, and the WPS saved me of a real ordeal. In the end, it has shown me with facts that it can be a very useful option, and I have never had a security problem with such a standard.

Yes, your safety has been compromised on more than one occasion, but in normal situations, and with minimally sensible use, it does not have to give you any kind of problem, Since, to be able to take advantage of the WPS, it is not enough to know the PIN, also it is necessary to have physical access to the router. In my case, I have it disconnected because I do not plan to use it, but when necessary I do not hesitate to resort to it.

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