如果您自己配置了无线路由器(wireless router)，您可能在其配置菜单中遇到过(configuration menus)WPS一词，或者您可能在路由器背面看到了一个标有WPS的按钮。(WPS)但是你知道什么是WPS吗？WPS(WPS work)是如何工作的？哪些设备和操作系统提供对WPS的支持？要查找和理解这些问题的答案以及更多信息，请阅读这篇文章：
WPS 是什么意思？
WPS 代表 Wi-Fi Protected Setup(WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup)，这是一种网络安全标准(network security standard)，可简化将设备连接到无线网络(wireless network)的过程。它通过跳过输入长密码的需要，帮助用户在几秒钟内将设备添加到他们的 Wi-Fi 网络。
一个关键的细节是WPS只处理路由器和(WPS)客户端设备(client device)之间的连接数据发送。它本身不处理Wi-Fi 连接(Wi-Fi connection)。
WPS 标志
Wi-Fi联盟(Alliance)于 2006 年推出了WPS 标准(WPS standard)，并且及时地，所有Wi-Fi 设备(Wi-Fi equipment)制造商都采用了它。因此，WPS现在是所有无线路由器和网状 Wi-Fi 系统上的一项基本功能。(feature present)
Wi-Fi Alliance是一个全球性的非营利性协会，致力于推广Wi-Fi 技术并认证 Wi-Fi 产品(Wi-Fi technology and certifies Wi-Fi products)。它拥有600多名会员，涉及众多知名企业，包括微软(Microsoft)、苹果(Apple)、思科(Cisco)、三星(Samsung)、英特尔(Intel)、博通(Broadcom)等。
WPS 是如何工作的？
当您将笔记本电脑、智能手机、平板电脑或其他设备连接到 Wi-Fi 网络时，您需要知道网络的名称和密码。如果您没有输入正确的密码(correct password)（也称为WPA-PSK 密钥(WPA-PSK key)），您将无法连接到网络。
连接Wi-Fi时需要输入密码
虽然这个过程并不复杂，但输入必要的信息确实需要一些时间，而WPS旨在简化事情。以下是它实现这一目标的一些方法：
- 您可以将您的设备（平板电脑、智能手机、笔记本电脑等）连接到无线网络(wireless network)，而无需输入网络密码(network password)。为此，请按路由器上的WPS 按钮(WPS button)以打开新设备的发现。然后，转到您的设备并选择您要连接的网络。设备自动连接。以下是其工作原理的演示：如何在Windows 10中使用(Windows 10)WPS连接到Wi-Fi网络，
- 您可能拥有带有自己的WPS 按钮(WPS button)的无线打印机或范围扩展器等设备，您可以使用这些按钮进行快速连接。通过按路由器上的WPS 按钮(WPS button)，然后在这些设备上将它们连接到您的无线网络。(wireless network)在此过程中您无需输入任何数据。WPS会自动发送网络密码(network password)，这些设备会记住它以备将来使用。将来他们将能够连接到同一个网络，而无需您再次使用WPS 按钮(WPS button)。
- 另一种方法涉及使用八位PIN 码(PIN)。开启WPS的路由器有一个自动生成的PIN 码。(PIN code)您可以在WPS 配置(WPS configuration)页面上找到WPS PIN 。一些没有WPS 按钮(WPS button)的设备会要求输入该PIN。如果您输入，它们会验证自己并连接到无线网络。(wireless network)
- 第四种也是最后一种方法还涉及使用八位PIN。一些没有WPS 按钮(WPS button)但支持 WPS(WPS support)的设备将生成客户端PIN。然后，您可以在路由器的无线配置(wireless configuration)面板中输入此PIN，路由器将使用它将该设备添加到网络。
虽然前两种方法速度很快，但后两种方法对于将设备连接到无线网络(wireless network)并没有任何速度优势。你必须输入那个八位数的PIN 码(PIN)，输入 Wi-Fi 密码也一样慢。第四种连接无线网络(wireless network)的方法更慢，因为您必须访问路由器的无线配置部分(wireless configuration section)并输入客户端设备(client device)提供的PIN。
什么是 WPS 密码？
WPS PIN有八位数字，既可以由管理Wi-Fi的路由器生成，也可以由想要连接到它的客户端生成。您可以在下面的屏幕截图中看到在华硕路由器(ASUS router)上生成的WPS PIN示例。
华硕路由器上的 WPS PIN
此PIN可用于想要访问Wi-Fi的设备的(Wi-Fi)连接向导(connection wizard)。或者，支持 WPS(WPS support)的设备可以在其上贴上带有八位WPS PIN的标签，可以在路由器的管理界面(administration interface)中输入该标签。
WPS密码安全要求
WPS（Wi-Fi 保护设置(Wi-Fi Protected Setup)）仅适用于需要密码并使用WPA/WPA2 or WPA3 Personal security protocols加密的无线网络。WPS(WPS doesn)不能在使用已弃用的WEP 安全性(WEP security)的无线网络上工作，任何想要使用基本工具和技能的黑客都可以轻松破解该安全性。
WPS有什么好处？
使用WPS将设备连接到网络带来以下好处：
- 它很快(It’s quick)，至少在使用路由器和客户端设备上的(client device)WPS 按钮(WPS button)时是如此。
- 这很容易(It’s easy)，不需要技术技能。您需要做的就是按下路由器和客户端设备上的(client device)WPS 按钮(WPS button)。
- 支持比较大(Relatively large support)。所有路由器和大多数网络设备都支持WPS。此外， Windows(Windows)、Android和Linux等主要操作系统都可以使用WPS建立快速Wi-Fi 网络(Wi-Fi network)连接。
WPS的缺点是什么？
WPS 也有一些重要的缺点：
- 这不是很安全。(It’s not very secure.)基于 PIN 的WPS连接似乎特别容易受到暴力攻击(vulnerable against brute-force attacks)。对WPS的成功攻击允许攻击者访问您的 Wi-Fi 网络，唯一有效的解决方法是禁用WPS。
- 任何人都可以使用 WPS。(Anyone can use WPS.)如果有人可以物理访问您的路由器，他们可以在未经您同意的情况下立即连接到您的网络。
- 苹果不支持 WPS。(Apple does not support WPS.)因此，如果您有Mac、iPhone 或 iPad，则无法通过WPS连接到(WPS)Wi-Fi。这是因为Apple认为WPS不够安全，并且尚未在其任何产品中实现对它的支持。
WPS 应该打开还是关闭？
在大多数无线路由器上，默认情况下启用WPS。其目的是让用户轻松设置他们的网络并将他们的所有设备添加到他们的Wi-Fi中。因此(Therefore)，在您设置好网络并在Wi-Fi上添加所需设备后，如果担心安全问题，最好在路由器上禁用WPS 。
路由器上的WPS 按钮(WPS button)在哪里？
如果您想继续使用WPS将您的设备连接到Wi-Fi，您首先需要知道路由器上WPS 按钮的位置。(WPS button)通常，WPS 按钮(WPS button)位于路由器的背面，就像我们最喜欢的 Wi-Fi(Wi-Fi) 6 路由器之一ASUS RT-AX58U上的情况一样。(ASUS RT-AX58U)如您所见，该按钮带有清晰的标签，并且在大多数华硕(ASUS)路由器上，它位于用于将路由器连接到互联网的WAN 端口附近。(WAN port)
华硕 RT-AX58U(ASUS RT-AX58U)上WPS 按钮(WPS button)的位置
D-Link 路由器也有类似的方法。例如，D-Link DIR-X1560 AX1500上的(DIR-X1560 AX1500)WPS 按钮(WPS button)也位于背面，靠近电源插孔(power jack)。
D-Link DIR-X1560 AX1500上WPS按钮(WPS button)的位置
继续使用Linksys路由器，他们通常将WPS 按钮(WPS button)涂成蓝色，放在背面，与所有以太网(Ethernet)端口一起放置。以下是流行的Linksys 双频 AX1800 Wi-Fi 6(Linksys Dual-Band AX1800 Wi-Fi 6)路由器 ( E7350 )上WPS 按钮的外观。(WPS button)
Linksys 双频 AX1800(Linksys Dual-Band AX1800) ( E7350 )上的WPS 按钮(WPS button)
TP-Link使用稍微不同的方法。例如，在他们流行的TP-Link Archer AX20上，WPS 按钮(WPS button)也在路由器的背面，但它有两个功能：短按 1 秒激活WPS，长按（2 秒或更多）打开和关闭Wi-Fi。这适用于过去几年推出的所有TP-Link路由器。(TP-Link)
TP-Link Archer AX20上WPS 按钮(WPS button)的位置
网状 Wi-Fi 系统上的WPS 按钮(WPS button)在哪里？
许多网状 Wi-Fi 系统（尤其是来自ASUS 和 TP-Link(ASUS and TP-Link)的那些）没有WPS 按钮(WPS button)，并且需要从其固件中打开此功能。但是，某些型号的网状 Wi-Fi 系统，例如D-Link M15 AX1500，包括WPS 按钮(WPS button)。
D-Link M15 AX1500 上的 WPS 按钮
其他网状 Wi-Fi 系统，如Linksys Velop，将WPS 按钮(WPS button)隐藏在其底部，靠近其On/Off button。
一些网状 Wi-Fi 系统底部有WPS 按钮(WPS button)
您(Did)是否使用 WPS 将您的设备连接到Wi-Fi？
如您所见，使用WPS 网络(WPS network) 安全标准(security standard)有利有弊。虽然它可以让您的生活更轻松，但它也容易受到攻击，并且可能很难或不可能与某些设备一起使用。在您关闭本文之前，请告知我们您是否使用WPS将您的设备连接到Wi-Fi。它对你的效果如何？(How)或者您可能因为其安全漏洞而选择将其关闭？在下面发表评论(Comment)，让我们知道。
What is WPS? Where is the WPS button on a router?
If you have configured a wireless router on your own, you probably encountered the term WPS in its сonfiguration mеnus, or you might have seen a bυtton marked WPS on the routеr'ѕ baсk. But do you know what WPS is? How does WPS work? Which devices and operating systems provide ѕupport for WPЅ? To find and understand the answers to these questions and more, read this article:
What does WPS mean?
WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a network security standard that simplifies the process of connecting devices to a wireless network. It helps users add devices to their Wi-Fi networks in seconds by skipping the need to enter long passwords.
One crucial detail is that WPS handles only the sending of connection data between a router and a client device. It doesn’t handle the Wi-Fi connection itself.
The WPS logo
The Wi-Fi Alliance introduced the WPS standard in 2006, and, in time, all manufacturers of Wi-Fi equipment have adopted it. As a result, WPS is now a basic feature present on all wireless routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems.
Wi-Fi Alliance is a global non-profit association that promotes Wi-Fi technology and certifies Wi-Fi products. It has more than 600 members, and it involves many famous companies, including Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Samsung, Intel, Broadcom, and others.
How does WPS work?
When you connect your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or another device to a Wi-Fi network, you need to know the network’s name and its password. You can't connect to the network if you don’t enter the correct password (also known as the WPA-PSK key).
When connecting to Wi-Fi you need to type the password
While this process is not complicated, it does take some time to enter the necessary information, and WPS aims to simplify things. Here are some ways it achieves this::
- You can connect your device (tablet, smartphone, laptop, etc.) to the wireless network without entering the network password. To do this, press the WPS button on your router to turn on the discovery of new devices. Then, go to your device and select the network you want to connect to. The device connects automatically. Here’s a demonstration of how it works: How to use WPS in Windows 10 to connect to Wi-Fi networks,
- You may have devices like wireless printers or range extenders with their own WPS button that you can use for making quick connections. Connect them to your wireless network by pressing the WPS button on the router and then on those devices. You don't have to input any data during this process. WPS automatically sends the network password, and these devices remember it for future use. They will be able to connect to the same network in the future without you having to use the WPS button again.
- Another method involves using an eight-digit PIN. Routers with WPS turned on have a PIN code that's automatically generated. You can find the WPS PIN on the WPS configuration page. Some devices without a WPS button will ask for that PIN. They authenticate themselves and connect to the wireless network if you enter it.
- A fourth and last method also involves using an eight-digit PIN. Some devices without a WPS button but with WPS support will generate a client PIN. You can then enter this PIN in your router's wireless configuration panels, and the router will use it to add that device to the network.
While the first two methods are rapid, the last two do not provide any speed benefits for connecting devices to your wireless network. You have to type that eight-digit PIN, and typing the Wi-Fi password is just as slow. The fourth method of connecting to a wireless network is even slower because you have to access the router's wireless configuration section and type the PIN provided by the client device.
What is the WPS PIN?
The WPS PIN has eight digits, and it can be generated both by the router managing the Wi-Fi and by the client who wants to connect to it. You can see an example of the WPS PIN generated on an ASUS router in the screenshot below.
The WPS PIN on an ASUS router
This PIN can be used in the connection wizard of the device that wants access to the Wi-Fi. Alternatively, devices with WPS support can have a sticker on them with their eight-digit WPS PIN that can be entered in the router’s administration interface.
WPS password security requirements
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is available only for wireless networks that require a password and are encrypted with the WPA/WPA2 or WPA3 Personal security protocols. WPS doesn’t work on wireless networks that use the deprecated WEP security, which can be cracked easily by any hacker-wannabe with a basic set of tools and skills.
What are the benefits of WPS?
Using WPS to connect devices to the network brings the following benefits:
- It’s quick, at least when using the WPS button on both the router and the client device.
- It’s easy, and no technical skills are required. All you need to do is press the WPS button on both the router and the client device.
- Relatively large support. All routers and most networking devices support WPS. Also, major operating systems like Windows, Android, and Linux can use WPS to establish quick Wi-Fi network connections.
What are the disadvantages of WPS?
There are also some important downsides to WPS:
- It’s not very secure. PIN-based WPS connections seem especially vulnerable against brute-force attacks. A successful attack on WPS allows the attacker to gain access to your Wi-Fi network, and the only effective workaround is to disable WPS.
- Anyone can use WPS. If someone has physical access to your router, they can immediately connect to your network without your consent.
- Apple does not support WPS. So, if you have a Mac, an iPhone, or an iPad, you can’t connect to Wi-Fi through WPS. This is because Apple has decided that WPS is not secure enough, and it hasn’t implemented support for it in any of its products.
Should WPS be On or Off?
On most wireless routers, WPS is enabled by default. The intent is to make it easy for users to set up their network and add all their devices to their Wi-Fi. Therefore, after you set up your network and add the devices you want on your Wi-Fi, if security is a concern, it is a good idea to disable WPS on your router.
Where is the WPS button on a router?
If you want to go ahead and use WPS to connect your devices to the Wi-Fi, you first need to know the location of the WPS button on your router. Usually, the WPS button is found on the back of the router, as is the case on the ASUS RT-AX58U, one of our favorite Wi-Fi 6 routers. As you can see, the button is clearly labeled and, on most ASUS routers, it’s placed near the WAN port that’s used for connecting the router to the internet.
The location of the WPS button on ASUS RT-AX58U
D-Link routers have a similar approach. For example, the WPS button on a D-Link DIR-X1560 AX1500 is also found on the back, close to the power jack.
The location of the WPS button on D-Link DIR-X1560 AX1500
Moving on to Linksys routers, they usually have their WPS button colored in blue, placed on their back, alongside all their Ethernet ports. Here’s how the WPS button looks on the popular Linksys Dual-Band AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 router (E7350).
The WPS button on the Linksys Dual-Band AX1800 (E7350)
TP-Link uses a slightly different approach. For example, on their popular TP-Link Archer AX20, the WPS button is also on the back of the router, but it has two functions: a short 1-second press on the button activates WPS, while a long press (two seconds or more) turns on and off the Wi-Fi. This applies to all TP-Link routers launched in the last couple of years.
The location of the WPS button on a TP-Link Archer AX20
Where is the WPS button on a mesh Wi-Fi system?
Many mesh Wi-Fi systems (especially those from ASUS and TP-Link) don’t have a WPS button, and this feature needs to be turned on from their firmware. However, some models of mesh Wi-Fi systems, like the D-Link M15 AX1500, include a WPS button.
The WPS button on D-Link M15 AX1500
Other mesh Wi-Fi systems, like Linksys Velop, have the WPS button hidden on their bottom, next to their On/Off button.
Some mesh Wi-Fi systems have the WPS button on the bottom
Did you use WPS for connecting your devices to Wi-Fi?
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to using the WPS network security standard. While it can make your life easier, it is also vulnerable to attacks, and it may be hard or impossible to use with some devices. Before you close this article, let us know if you have used WPS to connect your devices to Wi-Fi. How well did it work for you? Or maybe you chose to turn it off because of its security vulnerabilities? Comment below and let us know.
