The Wi-Fi Protected Setup or WPS for short is a simple and efficient way for the security of a wireless home network. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup was launched in the year 2007 by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The work of the WPS is to provide an easy way for users of wireless networks to get security for their home or small office's wireless network. This technology is also incorporated into Netgear's latest range of Wireless Routers to give protection to the Wireless Network of users.

The technology was created by the Wi-Fi Alliance with the interest of users who do not have extensive knowledge of how to configure networks. Therefore, the technology was created to be used in 3 simple connection methods that do not require special skillsets or abilities.
WPS Button On My Netgear Router
The first option for using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup is by automatically configuring two devices that are near each other. Once these devices are both capable of WPS and are as close as 10cm max apart, then the Wi-Fi Protected Setup will be automatically configured.

The second option for creating a secured network connection with WPS is by typing in a simple pin into the device.  The pin is provided by the WPS and the user's wireless network can be easily secured with this process.

The final and the easiest option for creating a secured connection with the Wi-Fi Protected Setup is by pushing a special WPS button on the device's requiring such. This use of the WPS button is what is incorporated into the latest versions of the Netgear wireless router, and it is the reason for this article.

The latest routers from Netgear come with the WPS button that users can push on the Wireless router as well as on cheek WPS-enabled modem to create a secure wireless connection. This WPS technology is very useful but is limited by range. The WPS or Wi-Fi Protected Setup is created for use in homes or small offices. It is not suitable for large offices and enterprise networks. If you have a large enterprise set up that needs a secure wireless connection, some servers are specifically created for such purpose. These dedicated servers help you to control who gets access to the network and provides everybody on the network with adequate security.

The usefulness of the Wi-Fi Protected Service notwithstanding, a lot of users are oblivious of the importance of the technology. Some users might even find it hard to locate the WPS button on their router. If you are using a Wi-Fi router from Netgear and you do not know where it is or why it is important, this article is the right one for you.

Why do you need a WPS button?

There's no much ado or dilly-dallying needed, the major reason for Wi-Fi Protected Service is self-explanatory. To provide adequate and needed security for your wireless network connection in a small setting. It keeps intruders away from sneaking into your network for any nefarious purpose. Gives you the peace of mind needed to access your favourite Internet service without the fear of your connection becoming compromised.

Where to locate the WPS button

The Wi-Fi Protected Setup or WPS button can be found at the back of your Netgear router. This is also the same with many other router types and models asides the Netgear Wireless router.

Device compatibility with WPS

Wondering about devices that are compatible with the WPS wireless connectivity technology? Most modern devices that have wireless connectivity option are also WPS-enabled. Personal Computers, tablets, smartphones, range extenders, repeaters, wireless printers, modem and many other devices are usually compatible with the WPS technology. Top of it all, most of these devices are automatically connected and configured giving no need for any special technical know-how before usage.

Supported Operating Systems

One other thing to consider about the Wi-Fi Protected Setup technology is the Operating System Compatibility. However, this is mostly not an issue to be worried about. This technology is compatible with most Window Operating System and Android OS for smartphones and tablets.

Apple iOS and macOS, however, do not support WPS technology. But, you can still use the technology with the aid of the 8-digit pin that you can get from the router's setup page. Therefore, whatever the device you're using, you can always access WPS with any of the available options.

The problem with WPS

The 8-digit pin can be hacked: It is not quite a hard feat for pro hackers and even mid-level hackers to hack into a wireless network, the same is true with the pin connection option for WPS. The solution will be to adopt the button option which is more secure but also has its own vulnerability.

Button WPS and proximity: Anybody that's within the range of your button-push WPS can always get access to your network easily with a single push of the button. To keep your router safe from such threats, it is advised that you pay proper attention to your Netgear router and if possible, keep it out of easy reach for intruders.

Also, if you are using the WPS technology on your Netgear router, do not forget that it was created for providing a secured connection to home connections and small office connections when needed. There's a limit to the protection it offers. Therefore, do not use your WPS network in a large organisation or in public places. Doing so will make your connection susceptible to hackers who can easily get on your connection's vulnerability to get access to all your data. Whenever you're using a wireless connection, whether in a private setting or public place, always be extra security conscious to keep your network and your data as safe as you can.