Then it dynamically varies the encryption key. WPA2-PSK uses a passphrase to authenticate and generate the initial data encryption keys. WPA2-PSK gets higher speed because it is usually implemented through hardware, while WPA-PSK is usually implemented through software. It is advertised to be theoretically indecipherable due to the greater degree of randomness in encryption keys that it generates. WPA-PSK uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) data encryption, implements most of the IEEE 802.11i standard, and is designed to work with all wireless network interface cards, but not all wireless access points.

This option uses a passphrase to perform the authentication and generate the initial data encryption keys. WPA-PSK uses a much stronger encryption algorithm than WEP so it is harder to decode. This seal means the product is authorized by the Wi-Fi Alliance ( ) because it complies with the worldwide single standard for high-speed wireless local area networking. WPA encryption is built into all hardware that has the Wi-Fi-certified seal. The Wi-Fi alliance highly recommends against using WEP and plans to make it obsolete. Use this mode only, when you have a very old legacy wireless client that does not support WPA-PSK.

WEP uses an old encryption method and can be easily decoded with today’s powerful computers. For product specific answers see Troubleshooting Wireless Networks WEP and WPA, are standards for encrypting data that is transmitted over wireless (WiFi) networks, to prevent eavesdropping.

Wep vs wpa-psk vs wpa