WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a feature that allows users to easily connect their devices to a Wi-Fi network without the need to enter a password. It can be activated by pressing the WPS button on the router or by using a virtual button in the router’s web interface.
However, in recent years, there has been a shift in the Wi-Fi industry towards removing the WPS button altogether. This is mainly due to security concerns associated with WPS. In the past, there have been vulnerabilities discovered in the WPS protocol that could potentially be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to a Wi-Fi network.
As a result, many manufacturers have chosen to remove the physical WPS button and instead provide alternative methods for connecting devices to a Wi-Fi network securely. One such alternative is the use of a mobile app or a web interface to manage the Wi-Fi network and add new devices. This allows for more control and flexibility in managing the network and ensures that the connection process is secure.
For example, Google WiFi and Eero, two popular mesh Wi-Fi systems, do not have a WPS button. Instead, these systems rely on their respective mobile apps for setup and management. When setting up a new device, you would simply open the app, follow the instructions, and securely connect to the Wi-Fi network.
On the other hand, there are still some manufacturers that include the WPS button on their routers, although it is becoming less common. Some users may find the WPS button convenient, especially if they have older devices that do not support newer Wi-Fi security standards. However, it is worth noting that using the WPS feature can still pose security risks, and it is generally recommended to disable it if you are not actively using it.
The presence of the WPS button on routers varies among manufacturers. While some still include it as an option, many have chosen to remove it due to security concerns. Instead, alternative methods such as mobile apps or web interfaces are being used to provide a more secure and user-friendly way of connecting devices to Wi-Fi networks.