Connecting to the router via wps. WPS - what is it and how to set it up? How to set up WPS on a router? Connecting new devices to your Wi-Fi network
Wireless Internet is becoming more and more popular every day. This is due to many factors. First of all, this eliminates the need to run long cables around the apartment. Also accessibility anywhere, freedom of movement of devices so to speak.
But despite the many advantages, many people prefer not to buy a router for these purposes, and if they do buy it, they use it as a simple switch. This is due to the fact that inexperienced users are intimidated by the need to set up a wireless network, enter a password and other less pleasant operations. It is for such people that WPS technology was created.
WPS is a developed technology aimed at facilitating the connection of other devices to the router via a Wi-Fi network. This standard is completely secure, which will keep user data secret.
There are two options for connecting using wps technology:
- Hardware.
- Program.
Many experienced users remember their home devices having a special button. It is designed to simplify connecting a computer and a router to each other. It is usually present on the router or modem. On some models, this button is used to reset settings to factory settings and as a wps function (for example, D link DIR-320 router). In this case, hold it for more than 3-5 seconds. no need.
To connect two devices, you need to click on the corresponding button on the router and on the wireless network adapter. Pressing should be once and no more than 3-4 seconds. After this procedure, you need to wait 1-2 minutes.
You also need to take into account that the name of the wi-fi network will remain the same as it was previously set by default. Using this connection, you do not need to enter a password. It will be created automatically using internal encryption mechanisms.
Software technology for simplified connection to a router
Most often it happens when the device supports wps technology, but the corresponding button is missing. A software method was developed for this method. You can enable such a connection on the router in its settings (usually in the wireless network menu). When using this approach, you need to do a little configuration of your network.
As a rule, you will need a special PIN code to operate. You can find it at the bottom of the router sticker. If it is missing, this code can be viewed in the device’s web interface in the “Wireless Network” - “WPS” menu. You also need to make sure that this connection technology is enabled. To do this, check the appropriate box and click the “Apply” button.
The next step is to connect to the existing network. For example, in Windows 7/8/8.1, you need to click on the wi fi icon near the notification panel (next to the clock) and select your network. Then click on the “Connections” button. After this, the connection wizard will be launched, which will ask you to enter a PIN code in a special window. 
If everything was done correctly, after entering, the computer will connect to the network.
If the wireless network is not configured on the router, then when you first connect, the system will display a window where you can specify all the necessary parameters. As a rule, you need to enter the name of the wireless network (SSID), select an encryption algorithm and enter the login password. In order not to forget all the information, you can write it down. It will be useful for further connection of other devices. 
Examples of enabling the software method on routers
D-Link router. On a D link router, the settings for enabling WPS are located in the advanced functions (usually at the bottom right side of the “Advanced Settings” side). Next, you need to select the Wi Fi menu, then the WPS section. By default, this feature is disabled in D link routers. It should be enabled by checking the appropriate box. Here you can also see information about the PIN code. After all changes, click the “Apply” button. If the D link router does not work, then you should repeat the procedure, but click the save button at the top and reboot the device. 
Router TP-Link
In these models, Wi-Fi Protected Setup is enabled from the main menu. Here you need to select WPS on the left side. After this, the settings window for this technology will open. You need to make sure that the status is Enable. In the “Current PIN” field you can see the code that will need to be entered when connecting. If for some reason you need to change it, then the “Generate new PIN” button is used for these purposes. After all changes you need to click the “Save” button. After which the device will reboot and you can start working with it. 
Router Asus
To change the necessary settings on the Asus router, select “Wireless Networks” and click on the WPS section. Here, you need to make sure that the technology is turned on; for this, the corresponding switch must be set to the On position. You can also see information about the current PIN code that will be needed to connect to the network. All changes must be confirmed with the “Save” button. 
As you can see from the above, such a connection only means maximum simplification of the use of wireless technologies. Attracting not only ordinary users, but also professionals. Among the disadvantages of this technology, only weak protection can be noted. This is due to the fact that the password (albeit a long one) can be found using special programs. This situation is not so critical at home, but when used in an enterprise, it is highly not recommended. I hope you understand what the WPS button on your router means.
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WPS(Wi-Fi Protected Setup) - a technology designed for fast and secure installation of a wireless Wi-Fi network (In TP-Link routers the function is called QSS(Quick Security Setup) and performs similar functions.). The advantages of using WPS are obvious, a person withoutspecial knowledge will set up a Wi-Fi network within 2-5 minutes. This is exactly what this article is devoted to - setting up Wi-Fi using WPS technology.
To understand if you have a WPS function in your router is quite simple, just look at the back of the router and see the WPS or QSS button.
Let me make a reservation right away that setting up Wi-Fi using the WPS button will be possible with the router’s factory settings (since in this state the Wi-Fi network is not protected, you can connect to it and, knowing the code, enter your settings), i.e. must be configured either immediately after purchase (preferably) or by resetting the settings to factory settings with the Reset button (usually located near the WPS button or this one button, only WPS turns on when you hold it for 2-3 seconds, and Reset works when you hold it for 10-15 seconds) .
I will describe two ways to get into the Wi-Fi settings window using WPS, choose which one is more convenient for you.
1 METHOD Using the WPS button.
By connecting power to the router on your computer/laptop in Wi-Fi networks, find the wireless network of your router. And press the button Connection"At the same moment, press the WPS button on the router for 2-3 seconds.
As a result, you should see a window asking you to install a network, click the " OK", if this does not happen, try repeating the procedure - disconnect from the Wi-Fi router and connect to it again by pressing the WPS button for 2-3 seconds.
If everything went well, if not, try the second method (described below).
2 METHOD Using Windows settings.
Connect power to the router on your computer/laptop in Wi-Fi networks, find the wireless network of your router. And press the button Connection".
Then go to Computer ( "Start" - "Computer") and press " Net".
If you have network device discovery disabled, turn it on by clicking on the window that appears at the top and select "Enable network discovery and file sharing".
Select " Yes, enable network discovery or file sharing for public networks".
In the devices window, select the router and click on it.
Regardless of the chosen method, the following steps will be the same, first of all we find the password, which is on the label of the router.
Enter the password.
After this, you need to enter the network name and, if desired, change the password (the password should be strong - at least 6 characters, in capital and small letters, numbers and special characters (!@#...)).
After this, the settings will be applied within a few seconds.
As a result, you will receive a window confirming the successful setup of the Wi-Fi network and specifying the password to connect to it.
Thus, we set up secure Wi-Fi without connecting to the router’s web interface, without any specialized computer knowledge.
These days, wireless Internet connections using Wi-Fi technology are gaining immense popularity. This is explained by the fact that the user becomes completely independent from the web of cables and wires; now there is no need to be tied to the workplace. If you wish, you can move your laptop to any point in your apartment or take it out into the courtyard of your house without severing your connection to the Internet. However, the development of these technologies has raised the question of protection and because most users do not have the necessary knowledge. Therefore, wireless equipment manufacturers have developed a special WPS protocol. It allows you to automate the process, which saves inexperienced users from unnecessary hassle.
WPS - what is it and what is it for?
This abbreviation stands for Wi-Fi ProtectedSetup. This standard was developed by an alliance of manufacturers of Wi-Fi wireless devices, the main goal of which was to simplify the setup process, and this technology allows even an inexperienced user to simply and quickly establish a wireless connection to the Internet, without delving into all the intricacies of Wi-Fi encryption protocols. Thanks to WPS, the device is able to automatically set the network name, as well as the encryption that will be used to protect against attempts. Previously, all these procedures had to be done manually.
Setting up wireless networks using WPS
We found out what Wi-Fi ProtectedSetup is and why it is needed. Now let's figure out how to set up a wireless network. What is needed for this? We will need a personal computer (preferably with the Windows 7 operating system) and an access point that supports WPS mode. The setup process for this system is similar for all devices that support this technology, regardless of model and manufacturer. So, let's start describing the procedure. The first step is to turn on the router. On the computer we update the list of available wireless networks. Our router model appears on the monitor. Click the “Connect” button. Since the wireless network in question does not currently have security parameters set, the computer’s operating system will prompt you to configure the access point. Click “OK” and continue working. At the next stage, the WPS-wifi system will ask for a PIN code. You can find this information on a special sticker on the router body. Typically the factory code consists of eight digits. If desired, you can change it in the device settings. The code should be entered into the pop-up window and click “Next”. A window with the configurations of our router will appear on the monitor. The operating system will offer to assign the basic parameters of the created wireless network, namely: name, encryption type, security key. That's all, the WPS setup is completed, the access point is ready for use.
Connection setup features
1. Today, support for this technology is fully implemented in Windows VistaSP2 and Windows 7. However, if an earlier version of the operating system is installed on your computer, then do not despair; you can use a special utility to configure this system. It can be found on the disk that came with your wireless access point.
2. System developers recommend that when connecting to a wireless network that does not yet have security settings set, configuration is carried out. However, you can refuse this procedure and connect to the network without preliminary setup. To do this, you need to click “Cancel”, thereby you will bypass the procedure for selecting parameters.
3. When setting up a network, system security can be left as default. It is better to replace the PIN code, and the more complex it is, the better. Particular attention should be paid to the network name. It is very important that it does not contain spaces and is written in Latin letters.
Connecting new devices to Wi-Fi
If you have a laptop, smartphone, tablet, then they can also be configured to work with the created wireless network. To do this, we search for available connections. Select the name of our network from the list and connect to it. The system will ask you to enter a security code or press the WPS connect button on the router. Enter the password, and the device is ready for use. As you can see, we were able to configure the access point without going into the device’s Web interface. This is how convenient it is - WPS technology. What is a button on a router and what is it for, we will look further.
How is WPS implemented at the access point?
This function is present in most modern routers. WPS technology allows you to set a name for your home network, as well as set up encryption protection against hacking and unauthorized access completely automatically. This process is carried out using a special request, in which the necessary parameters are transferred from the router to the device controller. Next, the WPS system also performs all subsequent connections of new devices to the newly created Wi-Fi network. Such a request is made using a special WPS button. Almost every user of wireless networks knows, but only a few will answer what this button is for. So let's look at this question.
WPS button on the router
This functionality is most often located on the front panel of the device, less often on the back or side. The location depends on the router manufacturer and device model. Sometimes the manufacturer may combine the wireless settings button with a reset button. Therefore, you should be extremely careful when using this function. In this case, the choice of button is determined by the duration of its holding. To enable the wireless network setup mode, the press time is 1-2 seconds, and to reset all settings - 5-7 seconds. As you can see, the main thing is not to overdo it. If the element in question is missing on the router body, it means that the parameter transfer request mode is launched in the device’s web interface, which can be opened in the browser via
Reassigning the WPS button
The firmware of some routers allows you to change the action of the mentioned element. For example, ASUSWRT allows you to reassign WPS and use a mechanism to turn Wi-Fi on or off. Very often this button is simply not used by the user. Therefore, the mode of turning off the radio module without having to change the settings of the web interface may be even more useful. To redefine the purpose of the button, you need to go to the administration section and open the “System” tab. Next, you should override the WP Sbutton item and select Toggle Radio.
Disadvantages of WPS technology
Wi-Fi routers that support this system have a wireless network security vulnerability, using which it is possible to select keys for encryption protocols. To do this, there are many programs on the Internet that can carry out similar procedures. In addition, they have a database of ready-made, frequently used keys. The PIN code itself consists of eight digits, so in theory there are 10 8 possible combinations. However, in reality there are significantly fewer such options. This is explained by the fact that the last digit of the code contains a checksum calculated from the first seven digits. In addition, the WPS technology authentication protocol also contains vulnerabilities. As a result, we have the following picture: in order to select a key, you need to search through only 11,000 options (approximately). And this is relatively little. The disadvantage of the technology we are considering is that most routers have a strict PIN code. As a result, if the key is compromised, changing the password will not protect your network.
Conclusion
The advantage of this technology is its ease of use. The user does not need to understand all the settings himself. In addition, the system allows you to quickly and effortlessly connect additional devices to an existing network. This mode is launched in routers in different ways:
1. Push ButtonConnect - automatic settings are launched by pressing the WPS button, which is located on the router body.
2. Enter the PIN code through the router web interface window. The user using this method must first launch the browser, then open the access point interface and enter the key. Next, the setup process begins.
3. Entering a PIN code on a personal computer. The key is entered only after connecting the router to the PC and starting a special WPS session.
In general, this technology is very useful and convenient for inexperienced users, despite the fact that advanced users like to reproach it for its weak protection against unauthorized access.
Having discovered the WPS button on their router, many users wonder what this button is and what it is for. If you are also interested in this issue, we suggest you read this article.
WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup and is a standard designed to make it easier to connect to a protected Wi-Fi network without compromising security. This standard was developed by an association of IT companies called the Wi-Fi Alliance and introduced in 2007.
The main feature of WPS is that it allows you to connect to a Wi-Fi network without using a password. At the same time, both the connection and the entire Wi-Fi network remain protected. And the time required for connection is even less than that required for a regular connection.
For the owner of a Wi-Fi hotspot, this feature may not seem very useful. After all, connecting to a Wi-Fi network once is not difficult. However, if you often host guests who come to you with their gadgets, then WPS may simply not be replaceable. This technology will save you endless problems with finding and remembering your Wi-Fi password.
How to use the WPS button on a router
There are two ways to connect to a Wi-Fi network using WPS. The first method is called hardware; it is as simple and fast as possible. In order to connect using this method, you just need to simultaneously press the WPS button on the router and on the device that connects to Wi-Fi. After which the router and the connected device will identify each other and establish a Wi-Fi connection. If the device you are connecting does not have a separate WPS button, then you need to go to the Wi-Fi settings and start a connection via WPS there, then press the WPS button on the router.
The second method of connecting to Wi-Fi via WPS is called software. It involves using a special PIN code. In this case, to connect, you need to find out the PIN code of the device that you want to connect to Wi-Fi and enter this PIN code in the router settings. After which the router and the connected device will identify each other and set up a Wi-Fi connection. Due to the need to use a PIN code, this method is much slower, but it does not require pressing any buttons.
How to enable WPS on a router
In order for all of the above to work, of course, WPS must be enabled on the router. WPS settings are usually located inside the Wi-Fi settings section. As an example, we will demonstrate how to enable WPS on popular router models.
On your ASUS router, you need to go to the “Secure Network” section and open the “WPS” tab there. On this tab, a switch will be available to enable or disable WPS on the router.
On TP-LINK routers, WPS settings are placed on the main panel. You just need to click on the “WPS” link and the settings you need will appear in front of you. In order to enable WPS here you just need to click on the “Enable WPS” button.
On D-LINK routers, you need to open the “ADVANCED” section and go to the “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” subsection. In order to enable WPS here you need to check the box next to the “Enable” item.
On ZyXEL routers, you need to open the “Network – Wireless Network” section and go to the “WPS” tab. To enable this function, you need to check the box next to the “Enable WPS” function.
How to connect an Android smartphone to Wi-Fi via WPS
In order to connect your Android smartphone to a Wi-Fi network via WPS, you need to go to the Wi-Fi settings on Android and click on the button with three dots.
After this, a small menu will open. Here you need to select “Additional functions”.
After this, a section with additional settings will open. Here you need to click on the “WPS button”. Clicking this button will start the connection process via WPS. In fact, this button in the menu emulates pressing the hardware WPS button.
After this, a connection indicator will appear on the screen.
Now all that remains is to press the WPS button on the router and hold it pressed for about 3-4 seconds. After this, the Android smartphone will think for about 10 seconds and a message will appear on the screen stating that you have connected to the selected Wi-Fi network.
You can also connect on Android using a PIN code. In this case, in the additional Wi-Fi settings, you need to click on “Enter WPS PIN code”.
After this, a pop-up window will appear on the screen with a connection indicator and a PIN code that must be entered on the router.
After this, almost immediately, Android connects to the Wi-Fi network.
How to connect a Windows 7 computer to Wi-Fi via WPS
On a desktop computer, connecting via WPS is even easier than on an Android smartphone. As an example, we will demonstrate how this happens on a laptop with the Windows 7 operating system.
First, you need to click on the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar. After the list of available networks opens, you need to find the network you want to connect to, select it and click on the “Connect” button.
After this, a window for entering a password will open. If WPS is enabled on the router, then under the line for entering the password it will be written that you can connect to the network by pressing the WPS button on the router.
We do as it is written. Press the button and hold it until a message appears about receiving parameters from the router.
After receiving the parameters from the router, a window with a connection indicator will appear.
And after a few seconds the laptop is connected to Wi-Fi.
The small button labeled WPS on the router very often goes unnoticed by many users. There is Internet, and it’s good. And this is what people living in the 21st century think. It’s high time, using all the available benefits of humanity, including computer technology, to find out what WPS is in a router and simplify your life.
Technology and its capabilities
First you need to find out what WPS means on the router. The abbreviation WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, and in Russian - protected. Its essence is that two different devices that have this technology can seamlessly connect to each other without any settings. The important point here is that when the client connects, the access key is transferred to him in encrypted form, this network will be encrypted.
Connection using WPS technology can be hardware or software. The hardware method is the presence of a physical button on the router, when pressed, two devices connect to each other via a wireless network. And the software method is that the user must go to the router settings, find the access key and enter it on the device that needs to be connected to the network. Sometimes the manufacturer places the key in the form of a sticker on the device body.
WPS Preset
Naturally, the WPS mode on the router must be activated. To do this, you need to go to the settings of your router and enable WPS. In addition, the router allows you to set additional settings for a secure channel. In fact, you can create a second virtual network, with your own rules - limit access to local resources, narrow the Internet channel. The user will certainly find all the necessary information in the operating instructions that come with the router.
Most manufacturers are often limited to just one item in the setup menu - “Enable/Disable WPS”. In such cases, reflashing the router will help. The fact is that WPS technology is gaining immense popularity in the world, and many manufacturers, in an effort, have already updated their software. All you have to do is go to the official website, find your device in the list and, following the instructions, carry out the required algorithm of actions.
What are the advantages over a regular connection?
Having found out what is in the router, the user may think that this is another stupidity of the manufacturers. Why these buttons and keys, because you can simply transfer the password from the Wi-Fi router. Hand over! Then put a piece of paper on the front door with a password written on it or remove the password altogether.
The WPS button on the router resembles a butler - pressing it lets guests into the network. But what kind of network this is depends on the owner of the house. With this technology, you can provide access to social networks, but protect from torrents so as not to clog the channel. Particularly curious is to close all local resources, leaving the network printer visible. Even household members can be given access to DLNA and a thin channel to the Internet - there are no boundaries, everything is in the hands of the owner.
Security or paranoia?
Many people learn about what WPS is in a router from news feeds, where they write in black and white about the insecure connection that this technology hides. After reading the article, the user certainly examines his router in the hope of not finding WPS buttons on its body.
Yes, WPS technology has a weak security mechanism that is relatively easy to attack from the outside and can allow an attacker into the network. That is why in modern routers in the WPS settings you can find an item with a certain cut-off device, the purpose of which is to prohibit the reception of guests if an attack is detected. Owners of old devices will find this function in the router menu after flashing.
On the other hand, WPS technology, like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, DLNA, Windows, Android - any technology that is susceptible to hacking. In order to gain access to resources, you need knowledge and time, and those who possess these factors will not waste their money on games with private networks - the stakes there are much higher.
Finally
Having received information about what WPS is in a router, the user can only decide whether he needs this technology or whether it needs to be disabled. In any case, the decision will be correct and to some extent safe. By disabling an unused function, you can be sure that the neighbor behind the wall will not guess the password to an easily hacked router for the second year in a row. And having turned it on and configured it correctly, you don’t have to be afraid that friends and relatives who want to connect to the Internet will not look “where they shouldn’t.”
If you plan to initially use a WPS connection as a guest connection, then professionals recommend using this technology not to create connections between devices in the house, because all these devices will obey the configured network and, accordingly, will be visible to guests. It may take more time to connect a phone, speakers, TV or refrigerator to the router via Wi-Fi, but this will protect the owner from troubles in the future.
