Wi-Fi Protected Setup, also known as WPS, has set a new standard of Wi-Fi security since its emergence in 2007 due to its sheer ease-of-use. It is indeed the first security standard aimed at the user, providing simplified secure network setup solutions for small office and home office (SOHO) environments.
Based on the Wi-Fi Alliance specification, WPS makes the configuration of secure personal wireless networks as simple as pushing a button or entering a Personal Identification Number (PIN) code. The push button configuration
(PBC) enables users to simply push a button, either an actual or a virtual one, on both WPS devices to connect.
Alternatively, the PIN method allows users to use a PIN (taken either from a sticker label or from a web interface) and enter it in the Access Point (AP) or client WPS device to connect.
What is important to remember is that WPS does not add new security features to devices. It makes the existing security features easy to configure and enable. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2 represents the very latest in security for Wi-Fi technology.
With this ease-of-use also comes another important benefit, device interoperability. Again, simplifying the set-up of secure Wi-Fi environments, WPS-supported devices such as Billion and AirLive’s wireless networking products now work together as they share the standard. The security certification is also compatible with legacy devices as it uses
WPA2 Personal technology.
Typically with a WEP network, a 128-bit encryption would slow down the network whereas with WPS the keys are not as long and complex and therefore less resource hungry. Additionally, WPS has a small memory footprint and minimal processing overhead, adding typically 70KB to the wireless device.
Already compliant with 802.11g, WPS supports latest draft of 802.11n and its devices as with a certification to be released for the expected ratification of 802.11n in 2009.
So, in addition to ease-of-setup, WPS offers the following important
benefits:
Reduces product returns and end-user support costs; Increases consumer satisfaction; Ensures home Wi-Fi devices use secure communications; Can be integrated into new or existing device designs as a value-added upgrade; and Can work with supplicants that have been designed into existing products.
WPS and its many benefits will, if anything, improve Wi-Fi security as it has made what has typically been seen as a daunting task into a simplified one that in turn increases the accessibility and popularity of wireless networks.
