Router Frontline

Introduction

WPS: wps button on netgear router (Wireless Protected Setup) is basically a security measure through which the users can connect easily and effortlessly with a single click of a button over the wireless network or Wi-Fi. Most of the routers from the Netgear line have the WPS button which assists you in adding a device to access the home network without typing numerous characters.

 This article will introduce about WPS, learn how WPS works, the advantage and disadvantage of using the WPS, security concern and How to turn on WPS of a Netgear router.

How does the WPS button work?

When you press the WPS button on your Netgear router, it temporarily opens the router’s security for a few minutes, allowing new devices to connect to the network without needing the WiFi password.

Here is a brief overview of how the WPS setup process works:

• Locate the WPS button on your Netgear router, usually indicated with the WPS logo or letters. It’s often a physical button but sometimes an option in the router’s admin page.
• Activate WPS mode on the device you want to connect, like a mobile phone, laptop, or Smart TV. On most devices, you can do this by going to the Wi-Fi settings and selecting WPS connect or WPS push-button connect.
• Simultaneously press and hold the WPS button on the router and initiate the WPS connection from the new device within 2 minutes.
• The router will broadcast the network’s security key temporarily so the new device can automatically connect to the network without needing to manually enter the password.
• Once the device is connected or after 2 minutes, the router will close the temporary security hole and go back to its normal secured state.

Location of the WPS Button

The physical location of the WPS button can vary depending on the specific Netgear router model. Here are some common places you may find it:

• On the rear or side panel of the router
• Integrated into the label/sticker on top of the router
• As a standalone button on the front facing panel

Most Netgear routers clearly label the WPS button with the WPS icon so it’s easy to identify. Take a few minutes to locate yours to understand how to use this convenient connectivity feature.

Connecting via WPS on Mobile Devices

Nearly all modern smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices offer easy WPS setup options right from the Wi-Fi settings screen:

• iOS/iPadOS – Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, pick the router network, then select the WPS option.
• Android – Go to Wi-Fi settings, select the router, then look for the WPS button or option to initiate connection.
• Windows – Open Network & Internet Settings, click on Wi-Fi, select the router and click Connect using WPS.
• Mac – Click the Wi-Fi icon, choose the router, then select Join Using WPS when prompted.

The process only takes a few seconds and saves you from tediously typing out passwords on small touchscreen keyboards.

Using WPS for Gaming Consoles & Smart Devices

Gaming devices and smart home appliances also integrate WPS for seamless connectivity to your home network:

• PlayStation/Xbox – Go to network settings, select WPS Push Button connection and follow on-screen prompts to pair.
• Amazon Echo/Google Home – Their mobile apps will guide you through selecting your router’s SSID and initiating WPS setup.
• Smart TVs – Look for a Wi-Fi or network option in settings, then select WPS/PBC to automatically connect.

With a single press of the WPS button, you can get all of your smart home and entertainment devices linked to your network in a matter of minutes.

Benefits of using the WPS button

The main benefit of the WPS button is convenience. It allows hassle-free and easy setup of new devices on a Wi-Fi network without needing to manually enter long and complex passwords. Some key advantages include:

• Easy initial setup: Great for non-tech savvy users to connect devices without struggling with passwords.
• Fast device pairing: Takes just one click compared to entering a long password.
• Works with many devices: Universal standard supported by most modern devices like smartphones, laptops, printers etc.
• No passwords to remember: Eliminates the hassle of remembering complex network passwords.

Potential Security Issues with WPS

While very convenient, using WPS does introduce some security risks you need to be aware of:

• Brute Force Attacks – Hackers can use automated software to randomly guess the WPS PIN and gain access within hours. This bypass works on many router models.
• Default PIN – All routers have a default static 8-digit WPS PIN that once cracked gives full access. Many are still set to factory defaults.
• Man-in-The-Middle Attacks – A hacker within range can intercept the handshake and connection between devices to obtain the WPA/WPA2 key.
• Eavesdropping during Registration – A hacker can observe device traffic when initially connecting via WPS to harvest sensitive info like MAC addresses.

To mitigate these problems, only use WPS when absolutely necessary and disable it via your router’s admin page when finished adding new devices. Using a strong Wi-Fi password provides better long-term protection than relying solely on WPS.

Limitations and security concerns

While convenient, the WPS system is not without security limitations that could potentially expose your network:

• Only provides temporary access: The small 2-minute window leaves risk of hacking if attacked during this time.
• Vulnerable to brute-force attacks: Some older implementations of WPS had issues where hackers could easily guess the hidden network key.
• Single point of failure: Compromising the router through WPS could give access to the whole network.
• No password changes revoke access: Newly added devices will remain connected even if you change the Wi-Fi password later on.
• Prone to PIN locking attacks: In the past, hackers could lock the router’s WPS PIN through repeated incorrect attempts until reboot.

So in summary, WPS is best used only for initial quick setup and then disabled afterwards for long-term security of your network using a strong Wi-Fi password.

Steps to use WPS on a Netgear router

Here are the basic steps to connect a new device using the WPS button on most Netgear router models:

Locate the WPS button

The physical WPS button is usually located on the rear or side panel of the router. Its symbol is a logo of two connecting arrows forming a circle.

Enable WPS on the router

Log into your router’s web admin interface by typing its IP address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the browser. Go to Wireless Settings and enable the WPS feature.

Connect your device

Go to the Wi-Fi page on your device and look for the WPS option. Initiate the WPS connection by clicking it and following prompts.

Simultaneously press buttons

Push and hold the WPS button on the router and your device’s WPS button at the same time for 1-2 seconds until the LED shows it’s pairing.

Check connection status

Wait for about 30 seconds for the device to connect. Check your device for the successful connection to your router’s SSID.

Disable WPS after setup

For better security, it’s advised to disable WPS on the router’s admin page once initial setup is complete.

FAQs about WPS on Netgear routers

Q. How long does the WPS pairing window stay open?

A: The standard WPS setup window timeout is 120 seconds (2 minutes). Devices need to complete pairing within this window or the connection will fail.

Q. Can I add multiple devices using one WPS button press?

A: No, you need to press the WPS button separately for each new device you want to connect. It only pairs one device at a time during the 2-minute window.

Q. I don’t see the WPS option on my device, what can I do?

A: Check your device manufacturer support for locating the WPS connection option. If it doesn’t support WPS, you will need to manually enter the WiFi password to connect.

Q. Can I use WPS to change my wireless password later?

A: No, changing the password after using WPS will not disconnect already paired devices. You need to manually remove wireless profiles of paired devices to reconnect them to the new password.

Q. Is it safe to keep WPS enabled long term for easier device pairing?

A: It’s generally not recommended to keep WPS enabled for security. Only enable it temporarily during initial setup and then disable it in the router settings. Using a strong password is safer long term.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the WPS button provides an effortless way to quickly connect devices to a Netgear wireless network during initial setup. However, due to security limitations, it’s best to only use WPS temporarily and then switch back to using a long and complex password for day-to-day network security. Disabling WPS in the router settings once the quick setup phase is over ensures maximum protection for your home Wi-Fi network.