Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS): The Easiest Way to Set Up Wireless Devices

Wireless networks have evolved over the years. It used to be a royal pain to set up security, hand out IP addresses and connect other Wi-Fi devices to the network.

Nowadays, however, the equipment is much easier to set up initially, and connecting all kinds of devices (from printers and Wi-Fi Cameras to other access points and routers) is a snap because of something called Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). With WPS, it’s really easy to add devices on the fly.

Many Wi-Fi connectable devices have WPS buttons on them these days, as do most D-Link routers. To see if yours does,  just look for an icon featuring two opposite-facing arrows (see image on right). To add a WPS-enabled device to your network, simply press the WPS button on your router then press the WPS button on the device. They identify each other, and you’re off and running.

There are other WPS connection methods, too, namely:

• PIN number
• USB drive set-up (code is transferred from the USB stick to the new device)
• “Near Field Communication” NFC (just position the device next to the other, and they identify each other)

The easiest way is to press those fancy WPS buttons, though.