WPS vs. WPA2?

Tags:

Self build / N/A

router

encryption

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CyberDude November 2, 2009 at 08:25:44 Pacific
Specs: Vista SP1, 3.0Ghz,2Ghz

I read this statement in a router review.
WPS has been integrated and supported in Windows Vista (currently, Windows Vista only work in Registrar mode)
What does that mean? I purchased a router with a WPS button but I thought WPA2 was the best encryption. Is WPS the same as WPA2? Can someone clear the confusion? Thanks.
By the way, router does have WPA2 capability as well as a WPS button.

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StuartS November 2, 2009 at 08:50:41 Pacific

WPS is not an encryption method in itself. It is a simplified method of setting up a wireless router with existing encryption methods.
This will explain.
http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/d...
Basically what it does is to make existing security methods easier to configure. You have no need to worry about SSID or pass phrases, it is all done for you automatically. However, to take advantage of WPS all network devices must be WPS capable otherwise you could end up with a rather complex, randomly generated pass phrase to enter.
Stuart

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CyberDude November 3, 2009 at 22:19:11 Pacific

So if you want to name your SSID yourself, you need to use something other than WPS? And I guess the wireless adapter needs to be WPS-compliant also? Thanks.

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