how to turn wps off on router

Guri Bee

2 min read

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19-10-2024

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How to Turn Off WPS on Your Router: A Security Best Practice

Wireless Protected Setup (WPS) is a feature designed to make connecting devices to your Wi-Fi network easier. While convenient, WPS has been plagued with security vulnerabilities that can allow attackers to gain access to your network. This article will guide you on how to disable WPS on your router, a crucial step in bolstering your home network's security.

Why Disable WPS?

The primary reason to disable WPS is its inherent security risks. WPS uses a PIN-based authentication system that has been exploited by attackers using brute force methods. This means they can automatically try different PIN combinations until they gain access to your network.

How to Disable WPS

The process of disabling WPS varies depending on your router model and manufacturer. However, the general steps are similar:

1. Log in to your router's web interface. You'll typically need to enter your router's IP address (usually found in your router's documentation or by searching for "router IP" in your browser).
2. Find the WPS settings. This can usually be found under a "Wireless" or "Security" section.
3. Disable WPS. Look for an option to disable WPS, often labeled "Disable WPS" or "WPS off."
4. Save changes. Make sure to save your settings after disabling WPS to ensure the changes take effect.

Example: Disabling WPS on a TP-Link Router

Here's a step-by-step example of disabling WPS on a TP-Link router, using information from a discussion on the TP-Link forums (https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/125192):

1. Log in to your router's web interface. Open a web browser and type in your router's IP address.
2. Access the Wireless Settings. Go to the "Wireless" or "Security" section.
3. Disable WPS. Look for a section labeled "WPS." Within this section, locate the option to disable WPS.
4. Save changes. Click "Save" or "Apply" to confirm your settings.

Other Security Measures:

Disabling WPS is a crucial step, but other security measures can further strengthen your network:

• Use a strong Wi-Fi password: This should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable WPA2/WPA3 encryption: These protocols are much more secure than older protocols like WEP.
• Enable MAC address filtering: This allows only devices with specific MAC addresses to connect to your network.
• Keep your router firmware up to date: Regular firmware updates patch security vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

Disabling WPS is a simple but effective way to improve your home network's security. By removing this vulnerability, you minimize the risk of unauthorized access to your network and data. Remember to implement other security measures as well to create a robust defense against cyber threats.