WPS - what is it?

You quickly come across the term "WPS" when setting up your router or buying a WLAN-enabled device. What it is and how it works - this article will tell you.

WPS - what is it?

WPS stands for "Wi-Fi Protected Setup". The establishment of a WLAN network should thus be safer and easier. If someone knows the password for your WLAN access, they can use your Internet without being in your own four walls. If your router uses WPS, this is no longer possible.

• WPS is used in most cases to establish wireless connections between a router and a computer. Less common for connections between routers and music systems or other WiFi-enabled devices.
• The WPS procedure is also helpful when setting up devices without a display. A WiFi repeater that picks up and amplifies the WiFi signal from the router must be connected to the router during setup. Entering a password is not possible without a display, WPS is required here.
• Example: You have bought a new laptop and want to connect to the router for the first time to access the Internet. Instead of a password, your router uses the WPS procedure. If you want to connect to the router on the PC, you will be prompted to press a specific button on the router (usually marked with WPS) within two minutes. For some devices, both pressing the button and entering the password are required.