WPA2 and WPA3

What is WPA2 and WPA3?

The Wi-Fi Alliance, the industry group behind Wi-Fi, says WPA3 is mandatory for Wi-Fi devices it tests, that WPA3-Personal gives increased protection against password guessing, and that WPA3 networks require Protected Management Frames. CISA's home network guidance recommends WPA3 Personal with AES. WPA2 came before and is still widespread.

Your router offers a mode setting, such as WPA2, WPA2/WPA3 mixed or WPA3. An open network that asks for no key has no encryption at all.

Older, weaker methods called WEP and the first WPA are obsolete, and a router offering only those should be replaced. Check the security mode on the router's wireless page.

Why does it matter on a fixed wireless connection?

Older gadgets such as cameras, plugs and printers often do not understand WPA3 and fail to join. A mixed mode lets them connect while newer phones use WPA3. Wi-Fi encryption protects the air inside your house, between your devices and the router. It does not protect anything on the outdoor radio link, which is the provider's concern.

See SSID for the network name and guest networks and Wi-Fi passwords.

What should I do about it?

Pick a long password, not a word, and share it only with people you trust. Put visitors and smart-home gadgets on a guest network where your router allows it. Never keep the factory password. The steps are in secure your home network.

If a device will not join after you switch modes, use mixed mode for a while and check whether the device has an update. Call 775-575-9593 if you cannot reach your router settings.

Rename the network at the same time, since a default name can reveal the router model, as covered in SSID.