Generally, you need to hold down the WPS button for at least ten seconds to activate WiFi protected setup. Once you do this, the router will restart and LEDs on the router screen will flash. Then, you need to wait for a few minutes before you can connect any devices to the network. You can also select the Factory Defaults option on the management page to reset the router to its default settings.
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Pressing the wps button on a router
You’ve probably noticed that your wireless router has a WPS button. What does this button do? Well, it lets your devices discover it and connect to it. It also searches the area for devices that support this technology. This process is automated, so you don’t have to worry about entering the password yourself. To do this, simply press the WPS button and hold it down until it flashes. Then, follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
To use the WPS feature, you need a WPS-enabled router. These devices usually have a button on the back of the router. Pressing this button authenticates incoming wireless connections. Typically, WPS hardware codes are protected so that only the network administrator can access them. When your router detects a compatible device, it will search for the device and connect to it.
Setting up a wireless network
You can easily set up a wireless network without holding down the WPS button, but what does it mean? It is the term used for the feature known as Wi-Fi Protected Setup. This feature was introduced by Wi-Fi Alliance in 2006, and all manufacturers have since followed the standard. You will find it as a standard feature on every wireless router. The Wi-Fi Alliance is an organization that promotes the Wi-Fi technology and certifies the Wi-Fi devices it certifies. It has 600 members including companies like Apple, BlackBerry, Intel, Samsung, and more.
To setup a wireless network with WPS, you must first enable it on your router. You can find this button on the back of most routers. For example, ASUS RT-AX58U is the model with WPS button on the back, near the WAN port. Similarly, D-Link routers have a similar location for the WPS button.
Authenticating incoming connections
If you are not already familiar with the term “WPS,” it stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. The standard was created in 2006 to make the process of connecting to a WiFi network as simple as possible for home users. The Wi-Fi Alliance is an alliance of major technology organizations devoted to the advancement of Wi-Fi connectivity. The group certifies Wi-Fi enabled devices and is the owner of the Wi-Fi brand.
If your device does not have this option, you must manually enter the security PIN and connect to the network. Your router must have this option enabled. You must be within a certain range of the device in order to connect to it. Holding down the WPS button for at least five seconds is recommended. You should also try to prevent any other devices from joining the network if they are already connected.
Security risk
The vulnerability resides in the WPS (Wireless Protected Setup) protocol. WPS is a method for wireless networks and Point-to-Point connections to encrypt the information passed between a network device and a client. This protocol uses a checksum of the previous digits to create an 8-digit PIN. Because this number is long, malicious attackers may attempt to guess the PIN or brute-force it. Consequently, WPS is a weak security feature.
While the WPS button offers many benefits, it does have a security risk. Insecure networks are easier to hack. A hacker who is able to get a hold of your wireless router could use this information to gain access to your network and devices. If you’re concerned about this, you should disable the WPS button until you are confident that no new devices are connected to your network. If you’re not sure whether to disable the WPS button, check the manufacturer’s manual to see if it’s compatible.
Resetting a router
If the resetting process is unsuccessful, you can also try to reboot the router. This method is a common one, but it requires completely unplugging the router from its power source. Before doing this, you should be sure that the switch on the router is actually on. If it is not, you can try to reboot the router by unplugging the power cord. If that does not work, you can contact a HelpCloud technician for remote support.
Some models of routers have a reset button located on the rear panel. The button is usually on the back or underside of the router. To reach it, use a straightened paper clip. Hold the button down for at least ten seconds. Afterwards, the router will restart and be in factory default settings. In case you have saved a password and network name, you can use this method to restore them.
