What is WEP, WPA and WPA2? Easily explained
If you read the terms WEP, WPA and WPA2 on the Internet or in the configuration of your router, you will not find out directly what that is. We clarify it.
WLAN security: WEP, WPA and WPA2 explained
- WEP, WPA and WPA2 are encryption protocols for WLAN networks. Behind the abbreviations is the standard for securing WLAN networks.
- If you buy a new router, you must set up the device before using it for the first time. You can choose a password for your WLAN as well as encryption.
- WPA2 is the current standard for the encryption of WLAN networks. If WPA2 is not available, select WPA. The WEP standard is no longer considered safe these days.
Learn more about WEP, WPA and WPA2
- WEP: The abbreviation WEP stands for "Wired Equivalent Privacy". It is the oldest standard for WLAN encryption. With simple software, even laypersons can now crack a WLAN network that is encrypted with WEP. This process only takes a few minutes.
- WPA: This is the much more secure standard called "Wi-Fi Protected Access". Current routers usually offer a combination of WPA and WPA2, as some older devices can only work with WEP and WPA.
- WPA2: The latest encryption technology is of course also the most secure. For encryption, WPA2 uses the AES standard, which is still extremely secure today. If you have the option of choosing WPA2 as the standard, you should do so. This is the only way to make your WiFi network really secure.