Routers are used in 95% of homes and buildings where ISP networks are installed. With their help, you can distribute signals of wireless Wi-Fi networks, as well as connect SIP telephony. All models of routers manufactured in China, Taiwan, Japan, Europe and manufactured in Russia are equipped with WPS technology. The acronym comes from "Wi-Fi Protected Setup", which means "wireless security setting". The technology was created more for the convenience of forgetful users: it makes it possible to connect to the network without the need to enter account information.
Wi-Fi Protected Setup on the router can be configured by entering the web configurator using the IP address of your device. Before you start digging into parameters with incomprehensible names, you need to figure out what the technology is for, how it works and what indicators will be the most optimal. Next, we will consider methods for connecting digital devices of various types with any operating systems via WPS on a router, as well as methods for setting up the technology using several illustrative examples.
Where is WPS located and what does it mean in a router?
Each router has 2-3 sockets for LAN wires of the Ethernet type, 4-5 indicators that allow you to monitor the status of the Internet and the device, one or two antennas and a WPS button. Most often, it is located on the back panel so that the user does not accidentally press on it.
Carefully! In the TP-LINK line of models, the WPS button on the router is combined with the option to reset all equipment settings to factory settings. If you press on it for 5 seconds or more, you risk being left without the Internet, you will have to call a specialist from the support service of your provider. In models of other manufacturers, the options are reset with the "Reset" button
In most cases, the WPS function is signed and it is easy to find it. Less often, it is depicted graphically - with two arched arrows. The technology can be activated with a single press. In case of physical impact on the button, the corresponding indicator in the form of a lock starts blinking. Different diodes may respond on different models, but frequent flickering indicates successful activation. The WPS mode on the router is in an active state for several minutes, after which it turns off automatically.
The most economical network equipment modifications may not have this button either on the front or on the rear panel. In this case, debugging is carried out exclusively through the web configurator. How to enter it is stated above and will be discussed in detail later.
Connection methods with Wi-Fi Protected Setup on the router
- It is very simple to connect the router with an external receiver, which also has a similar button available - press the technology activation first on the signal transmitter, then on the catcher. The connection will take place within a minute.
- In the absence of a button, which is important for all laptops, just press it on the router and the connection will be established without further user intervention.
- For smartphones and tablets, you need to perform the same actions, but in the gadget settings, select the "connection via WPS" item.
- If the technology is not controlled from the router, you can connect via the web configurator.
- Some advanced IT users set a PIN code for the WPS function. To connect with protection, it is enough to know this cipher. On the connected device, the method of synchronization via the UPU is selected and a cipher is entered, after which you can freely use the Internet.
Enabling and Debugging Technology in the Web Configurator
We figured out the question of what is WPS in a router, it remains to understand how to operate it in the absence of a button or if the latter is inoperative. Consider four typical router models.
After configuration, all settings must be saved. If you just close your browser or go to another page, the procedure will have to be repeated.
Technology connection for gadgets and TV
How to work with laptops and portable handheld wireless receivers is clear from the above, but what if a problem occurs when synchronizing a smartphone, TV or tablet? For the Android OS, the following scheme is suitable: you need to go to the general settings and find the wireless network parameters. Next, you should go to the advanced options menu, where the synchronization functions are located via WPS or using technology protected by a PIN code. Further connection is made automatically.
Android TV works on the same principle, only there are not enough TVs on this platform. Apple does not welcome such innovations: the functionality of iPhones does not support Wi-Fi Protected Setup. It remains for users to use standard password entry methods.
WPS on a router what kind of beast is it?
For 80% of users, this button is useless. Home devices automatically connect to networks as soon as they come within their range. Passwords are invented independently, which allows you to remember them by heart, and the input takes no more time than activating the technology. It will be useful if you are renting a house, and you were not told the Wi-Fi password or in other similar situations.
Experts recommend disabling the function if you have not been using it for a long time or have heard it for the first time. According to the network software developers, the constantly active option can be useful for crackers who are trying to steal data from a personal computer or simply surf the Internet at someone else's expense. Disconnection is performed according to an algorithm similar to activation.
Despite the elementary nature of the task, the question "what does wps mean" continues to disturb the minds of novice users of modern network equipment. In principle, this is natural: a person bought a router or a modem, began to understand the capabilities and functionality of his device, and suddenly discovered on the case a small button with an incomprehensible abbreviation of unknown purpose ... the zone of possible damage?
Therefore, in this article we will tell you in detail what the WPS button on the router means, and whether you need to disable WPS mode when using the modem.
On some models of routers, this function is also called QSS, from Quick Security Setup - quick security setup.
The wps function in a router: what is it and why is it needed?
In fact, wps mode is by no means a radical way to get rid of dangerous equipment. Everything is much more prosaic and safer: the WPS (from Wi-Fi Protected Setup) function makes it easier for the user to connect to the wireless network of this router.
To "clarify" the picture, let's analyze what wps is on a modem more clearly.
Imagine that the wireless network created by your router is a house in which its owners "live" - user devices connected to the network (your PC, tablet, etc.).
"Residents" of the home network can leave the house and come back (connect to WiFi), appoint a management (device priority) and invite guests to their place (temporary connection of new users).
But in the world of WiFi (as in any other) there are lovers of "freebies", and every such "house" needs to be protected with a good combination lock. After all, if you leave the "door" open (do not install ), thieves (unauthorized network users from among neighbors or bystanders) will certainly get into the house and start shamelessly stealing your traffic.
However, such protection of a WiFi network with a password lock often complicates the life of the owners of the “house”: now, in order to get inside, you have to look for the right key and open a complex lock every time. But what if the key-password is lost? Or is there simply no time to "open the door"? It gets to the point where users try to hack their WiFi or .
To avoid such incidents, wps is needed on the router: this function acts as a kind of intercom, automatically creating a new wireless connection and generating all the parameters necessary for it (security key, etc.).
At the same time, a computer running Windows 7 / Windows 8 automatically scans the qss function, and (if a wps network connection is available) informs the user with a corresponding system message.
How to use wps?
Let's consider what the wps mode is on a router using the example of the same "intercom" that protects your network from lovers of the "free" Internet.
As in the "classic" version, there are two possible connection methods: software (using a manually entered code combination) and hardware (using the appropriate button).
- Software wifi connection via wps is carried out in the case when the router supports the corresponding function, but the qss button on the router is absent (or the device is located in a hard-to-reach place).
Here, for a wps connection, you need a special pin-code indicated on the router's service label (located on the back of the device).
If in the future physical access to the router will be limited, it is recommended to write down the pin code wps (Wireless Password / PIN) in advance when connecting and configuring the device for the first time.
On a device connected to the network (consider the example of a laptop with Windows 7 OS), you need to go to and single-click the "Connect" menu in the SSID you need (as a rule, the name of the router is used here as the name of the network).
Next, a system window will open for you, where the setup wizard will ask for a wps pin code to automatically connect to this wireless network. Enter the eight-digit PIN, click Next, and the wireless connection to the router will be automatically established.
- What is the wps button on the router for?
To connect to a wireless network via wps in a "hardware" way, it is enough to first press the corresponding button on the WiFi adapter (or a gadget connected to the network), and then on the distributing Wi-Fi router.
Within a few seconds, the basic parameters of the network connection will be transferred from the router to a special controller of your device, and the connection to this access point will occur automatically.
What does the wps button on a router mean?
By analogy with the intercom, we can say that the wps button on the router is a "contact key-tablet" that must be attached to the reader (lock) to open the door.
wps / reset on a router: what is it?
On some models of routers, the WPS button is combined with the Reset button - resetting the router settings to factory defaults. In this case, a short press of the button (1-2 seconds) activates the wps connection with the user device, and holding the button down for 5-10 seconds resets the router's settings.
How to connect wps on a router?
Switching on / off wps is carried out through the web interface of the router:
- - in the address bar of any Internet browser installed on the computer, enter the combination 192.168.1.1 and press Enter;
- - in the user authentication window, enter the login / password to access the settings of the router (by default: "admin" "admin");
- - in the “Wireless network” settings (“Wi Fi” or “Wireless” - depending on the router model), find the WPS tab and mark “Enabled” (or “Enable”) to activate this function.
How to disable wps on a router?
To disable the WPS function, go to the interface of your router and uncheck the box in the “Enable WPS” menu tab or mark the status of this function as OFF (depending on the router model).
Flashing wps on the router - what is it?
Some models of routers have a WPS status indicator on the front panel, which indicates the status of this function.
As a rule, the WPS indicator blinks when you press the button of the same name, i.e. in the process of wirelessly connecting devices to the router using this protocol.
The wps light on the router is off - what should I do?
In most cases, wps is off if this function is disabled in the router settings.
If you want to activate a wifi connection via wps, then it is recommended to go to the settings of your router and mark the status of the function as "Enabled" (or "ON").
Do I need to disable wps on the router?
In some cases, a wps connection is considered insecure, since the security of such a network is "lame on both feet."
Therefore, the question "how to remove wps, and whether it should be done" should be solved based on logic and common sense:
If you have a private house and the coverage area of the router covers only your backyard territory, then the wps wireless network does not pose any "information threat";
If you live in a small apartment building, where, in extreme cases, “I don’t mind wifa for good neighbors,” and constant thieves can be calculated and “banned,” then disabling wps is also not required;
If you organize a corporate WiFi network, or you are surrounded by many third-party "freebies" lovers, then it is better to disable this protocol for greater reliability of your wireless network.
Called Wi-Fi routers, there is a magic button like WPS or QSS (on some devices). This abbreviation stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup and Quick Security Setup, respectively. Translated into Russian, it means "Wi-Fi Protected Setup". As you might have guessed, the discussed technology makes it easy and simple to configure various parameters. For example, you can connect to a wireless network with just one keystroke. But the knowledge that with the help of it you can do a lot of different things is not enough. Therefore, let's take a closer look at the WPS button on the modem.
The WPS button is most often located at the back of the router.
Connecting your smartphone or tablet to the network
If you find such a magic key on your device, then pick up your smartphone or tablet, because now we will connect to a wireless connection using a secure Wi-Fi setting.
- Go to the Wi-Fi menu of the device settings and turn it on.
- We are looking forward to appearing in the list of our network. Click on it. The device will prompt you for a password, but we are looking for "Advanced options".
- Then in the window that appears, click on WPS and the Push button.
- Now we press on our discussed button on the router, and on a smartphone or tablet, select "Connect". We are waiting for the completion of the process. When this connection is made, you can release the button on the modem.
Connecting a Wi-Fi Signal Repeater
Also, you can easily connect a wireless signal repeater (a device for increasing the Wi-Fi range) in just three simple steps:
- Click on our key on the original router.
- We do the same with the repeater.
- We are waiting for the distribution to begin.
As you can see, setting parameters for some types of connections is carried out in just a couple of clicks. This is the beauty of this technology. However, it also has some disadvantages. Let's touch on this issue as well.
WPS security issue
Like any wireless system, Wi-Fi secure setup has its drawbacks. One of them is somewhat weak security. That is, the probability of hacking the router is greater here than with a standard connection. However, at home, you do not need to be afraid of this (especially in the private sector). This is more of a threat in the office when there are a lot of people.
Wireless internet is gaining in popularity every day. This is due to many factors. This is, first of all, getting rid of the need to pull long cables around the apartment. Also, availability anywhere, freedom of movement of devices, so to speak.
But despite the many advantages, many people prefer not to buy a router for these purposes, and if they do, they use it as a simple switch. This is due to the fact that inexperienced users are afraid of the need to configure a wireless network, enter a password and other less pleasant operations. It is for such people that WPS technology was created.
WPS is a developed technology that aims to make it easier for other devices to connect to a router via a wi-fi network. This standard is completely secure, which will keep user data secret.
There are two options for connecting using wps technology:
- Hardware.
- Program.
Many power users recall their home devices with a dedicated button. It is designed for simplified connection of a computer and a router to each other. It is usually present on a router or modem. On some models, this button is used to reset the settings to factory defaults and as a wps function (for example, a D link DIR-320 router). In this case, keep it for more than 3-5 seconds. no need.
To link two devices, you need to click on the corresponding button on the router and on the wireless adapter. Pressing should be once and no more than 3-4 seconds. After this procedure, you must wait 1-2 minutes.
You also need to take into account that the name of the wi-fi network will remain the same as it was previously set by default. Using such a connection, you do not need to enter a password. It will be generated automatically using internal encryption mechanisms.
Software technology for simplified connection to the router
Most often it happens when the device supports wps technology, but there is no corresponding button. For this method, a software method was developed. You can enable such a connection on the router in its settings (as a rule, in the wireless network menu). When using this approach, you need to do a little tweaking of your network.
As a rule, you need a special PIN code to work. You can find it at the bottom of the router sticker. If it is absent, this code can be viewed in the device web interface in the "Wireless network" - "WPS" menu. You also need to make sure that this connection technology is enabled. To do this, you need to check the corresponding box and click the "Apply" button.
The next step will be to connect to the existing network. For example, in Windows 7/8 / 8.1, you need to click on the wi fi icon near the notification bar (next to the clock) and select your network. Then click on the "Connections" button. After that, the connection wizard will be launched, which will ask you to enter the PIN code in a special window. 
If everything was done correctly, after entering, then the computer will connect to the network.
If a wireless network is not configured on the router, then the first time you connect, the system will display a window where you can specify all the necessary parameters. As a rule, you need to enter the name of the wireless network (SSID), select the encryption algorithm and enter the login password itself. In order not to forget all the information, you can write it down. It will come in handy for further connecting other devices. 
Examples of enabling the software method on routers
D-Link router. On the D link router, the WPS enable settings are located in the advanced functions (usually at the bottom right of the “Advanced settings” side). Next, you need to select the Wi Fi menu, then the WPS section. By default, D link routers have this feature disabled. It should be enabled by ticking the appropriate box. Here you can also see information about the PIN. After all the changes, click the "Apply" button. If the D link router does not work, then repeat the procedure, but press the save button at the top and reboot the device. 
TP-Link router
In these models, Wi-Fi Protected Setup is enabled from the main menu. Here you need to select the WPS item on the left side. This will open the settings window for this technology. Make sure the status is Enable. In the "Current PIN" field, you can see the code that will need to be entered when connecting. If for some reason it needs to be changed, then the "Generate new PIN" button is used for this purpose. After all the changes, you need to click the "Save" button. After that, the device will reboot and you can start working with it. 
Asus router
To change the desired parameters on the Asus router, select the "Wireless networks" item and click on the WPS section. Here, you need to make sure that the technology is turned on; for this, the corresponding switch must be set to the On position. You can also see information about the current PIN, which you need to connect to the network. All changes must be confirmed with the "Save" button. 
As you can see, from the above, such a connection only means the maximum simplification of the use of wireless technologies. Attracting not only ordinary users, but also professionals. Of the shortcomings of this technology, only weak protection can be noted. This is due to the fact that the password (albeit for a long time), you can pick up special programs. This situation is not so critical at home, but when used in an enterprise, it is highly discouraged. I hope you figured out what the WPS button on your router means.
In contact with
The abbreviation WPS on a router is an abbreviation for “Wi-Fi Protected Setup”. The technology was created to simplify the connection of various devices to the network. It is supported by almost all routers. Its main advantage is that you do not have to enter a password on your phone or laptop to connect. This is especially true when you have forgotten your Wi-Fi password, and it is not possible to look in the router settings. The article will describe in detail the functioning of this technology, as well as give instructions on how to use it.
How WPS Mode Works
When we have found out what WPS is, it is worth talking about the algorithm of this technology. To create a wireless network, the user needs to configure the access point of the router and connect to the local network of his device with the security password.
WPS greatly simplifies this procedure. The controller generates an arbitrary password automatically, and then transmits it to a device that connects to the network via Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Thanks to this, you do not have to independently search for your network among others and manually enter the password
The WPS protocol is supported by Windows operating systems and most Android mobile gadgets. On those operating systems that do not have built-in utilities, you can download a special driver that expands the functionality of the system.
Using WPS (QSS) on a router
You can connect devices to the router using WPS both hardware and software. It all depends on the gadget you are connecting to the wireless network.
Hardware connection: what it is and how it is used
The first option provides only two steps: you need to press the buttons with the appropriate designation on the router and on the connected gadget. The WPS button on a router is usually located on the back of the device.
In some cases, the button is combined with the RESET function. If you do not want to reset the router to factory settings, do not hold it for more than 5 seconds. The activation of the WPS function will notify you by the corresponding indicator light on the front panel of the router.
Mobile phone / tablet software connection
The Android operating system includes a WPS connection function. To use it, follow the instructions below, namely:
If everything is done correctly, the smartphone will connect to your local network.
Connecting a Windows device
You can use Wi-fi on your laptop after establishing a connection with the router via WPS. To do this, follow several steps:
If you need to disable this protocol on routers, just press the button (if it is not there, you can disable WPS on the router only through the settings).
What to do if the router does not have a WPS button: examples of enabling
Many models do not provide hardware enablement of the Wi-Fi Protected Setup protocol. This means that the connection is made via the WEB interface. To do this, you need to do the following:
After completing these manipulations, you can use Wi-Fi without any problems. Often, the eight-digit PIN combination is indicated on a sticker that is affixed to the case of the modem.
There is an alternative option for connecting mobile devices:
If the correct combination is entered, the mobile phone or tablet will be connected to the network. With this function, you can connect to Wi-Fi any devices that support this protocol.
How to disable WPS through settings
To deactivate, you need to click the "Disable" button in the appropriate section of the router or select the Disabled item.
