What Is WPS in Wi-Fi? A Detailed Look Integrated with Zero Touch Wi-Fi Onboarding

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you unbox a new device, like a smart light bulb or a thermostat, on a busy morning? However, setting up the device proves to be a time-consuming task due to Wi-Fi onboarding/configuration issues. Obtaining secure device provisioning is the first step in the connected device experience. In this blog, we shall learn more about what WPS in Wi-Fi is and take a deep dive with Zero-Touch Onboarding.

How you set up your device correlates with the product’s performance, security, and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re an IoT device manufacturer, OEM, product manager, or solution architect, relying on Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or manual configuration methods can compromise security. 

We shall further explore the pitfalls of traditional WPS and manual Wi-Fi setup methods and delve into Zero-Touch Wi-Fi onboarding. This could be the future-proof solution for obtaining secure, scalable and easy-to-use device onboarding.  Along the way, we’ll compare the two methods from both security and usability perspective, with real-world use cases to guide product and technical teams in making informed choices. 

WPS vs Zero-Touch Wi-Fi Onboarding: A Security and Usability Comparison    

In the older methods like WPS, they rely on push button or static PINs. Whereas Zero-Touch Wi-Fi provisioning enables devices to be connected in a secure, scalable, and user-friendly way without the need for manual configuration.  The zero-touch provisioning process typically involves a Configurator (such as DPP based Access Points) and an Enrollee (the device being added), where onboarding is initiated through methods like scanning a QR code or NFC tap. The DPP enables users to exchange credentials over encrypted channels. This delivers safe and secure device provisioning.

Traditional Wi-Fi onboarding methods for devices have become inefficient with the emergence of headless devices, which lack screens or input interfaces. However, many devices that were onboarded using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or manual configuration methods also face rising concerns around WPS security risks. These older methods proved to be inefficient, in today’s modern life scenario where multiple devices need to be connected.   

DPP [Device Provisioning Protocol] uses strong cryptographic authentication to securely onboard devices. At the heart of this approach is Wi-Fi Easy Connect, built on the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP), a modern, public key-based provisioning framework developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance.  

What is WPS in Wi Fi? 

WPS, or Wi-Fi Protected Setup, is a legacy method of device provisioning on routers designed to simplify the process of connecting devices to a secure wireless network. 

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) was created to facilitate a password less future. It enables users to connect devices to Wi-Fi without the need of typing long passwords. To cater to device onboarding, the users may have to press a button on the router or type in a short code (PIN) to link the device to the Wi-Fi.  

There are a few ways to do this:  

1. Push Button Configuration (PBC): To secure Wi-Fi onboarding, you need to press the WPS button on both the router and the device you’re connecting (such as a smart bulb or printer). In this way, you can establish a connection between the two devices automatically by sharing a special encryption key to enable a secure connection.  
2. PIN Method: Your router has a special 8-digit code (PIN) printed on it or shown in its settings. Type this code into the device that you’re trying to connect to or type the device’s PIN into the router. Once the PIN is checked, the Wi-Fi password is shared securely.   
3. Near-field communication-based Setup: On newer devices, you can connect by simply tapping your phone or device on the router if both support NFC. The Wi-Fi details are sent through this short-range, secure connection. 

What is WPS on a router? 

Wi-Fi Protected Setup on a router is a feature (usually a small button on the router) that is designed for Secure device provisioning to networks without the need to type network name or password manually to make connecting devices to your Wi-Fi easier. 

When you press the WPS button: 

• The router briefly goes into a special “pairing mode.” 
• A device (like a printer, smart bulb, or phone) can connect just by also pressing its WPS button or entering the WPS PIN. 
• The router and device exchange the network details automatically and set up a secure connection.

Limitations Of WPS 

• Online brute-force attack: WPS uses an 8-digit PIN, that verifies the first and second halves separately. Attackers can easily gain access to the network while attempting to guess with only 4 digits separately.  
• Offline brute-force attack: Wi-Fi chipsets don’t adequately protect WPS data, hence attackers can record handshake information and use offline brute-force attacks to retrieve the password and PIN.  
• Physical security issues: Many routers would have a default WPS PIN imprinted on them. Anyone with brief physical access can connect to the network using this static PIN.  
• False Sense of Deactivation: In many routers, disabling WPS via settings doesn’t fully turn it off. The PIN method can remain active due to firmware flaws; it could leave networks exposed. 

Useability Challenges 

• Manual effort – WPS operates via press of a button or typing a pin. This may be hard for people who aren’t tech-savvy and impossible if you need to set up devices remotely or without anyone there. 
• No support for headless devices – WPS is incompatible. The headless devices can’t use WPS, so it won’t work for many modern gadgets. 
• Poor scalability – For large-scale projects, setting up multiple devices one at a time may not work well for hundreds of devices to connect. 

How Zero-Touch Wi-Fi Onboarding Overcomes WPS Shortcomings? 

The limitations of WPS led to the development of a more secure, scalable approach: Wi-Fi Easy Connect using Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP). Zero-touch Wi-Fi onboarding is made possible through Wi-Fi Easy Connect, built on the DPP. It provides a secure and seamless method for onboarding devices to wireless networks – especially headless devices that lack screens or input interfaces. Instead of manually entering passwords, Wi-Fi Easy Connect leverages encrypted public key-based provisioning, often initiated by simply scanning a QR code or using Bluetooth/NFC. The process uses encrypted, public key technology to keep connections safe while making setup simple for the user.

Want to learn more?  
For a deep dive into how Wi-Fi Easy Connect is implemented in RDK-B, including DPP-based architecture, onboarding flow, and security layers, check out our dedicated blog: How To Connect Wi-Fi Without User Interface: Wi-Fi Easy Connect Implementation in RDK-B.   

Benefits of Wi-Fi Easy Connect

Enhanced Security with DPP

Public-Key Cryptography: DPP enables secure device provisioning by using advanced public-key cryptography, i.e. with the help of mathematical key pairs. Unlike WPS, which depend on PINs which make them often susceptible to brute-force or replay attacks. DPP solves this limitation by using special digital keys to enable a secure exchange of public and private keys. This prevents hackers from eavesdropping or even gaining unauthorized access. Consequently, this offers a significantly stronger, reliable and more modern security foundation. 

Authenticated Provisioning Flow

DPP follows an organized and secure provisioning set up to ensure a trust-worthy device onboarding.    

Bootstrap

The Enrolee’s identity is securely shared using a QR code eliminating the need for broadcasting sensitive info like in WPS.  

Authentication

Devices perform mutual authentication using public/private key cryptography, which replaces WPS’s weak PIN-based verification.  

Configuration

Only after successful authentication does the Gateway securely send Wi-Fi credentials to the Enrollee, preventing rogue device access.  

Completion

Both devices confirm secure onboarding, ensuring no unauthorized access occurred during the process. This layered approach is far more secure than WPS, which exposed networks to brute-force attacks and lacked mutual authentication or encrypted configuration exchange.  

Future-Ready with WPA3 Compatibility

DPP works smoothly with both WPA2 and WPA3 Wi Fi security system. In WPA3 networks, it uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to prevent offline dictionary attacks. This is an area where WPS was lacking. Therefore, Wi-Fi Easy Connect would remain secure even if network standards evolve. 

Wi-Fi Easy Connect: Easy Integration for Smart Devices

• One-Step Onboarding with QR Codes: Wi-Fi Easy Connect makes way for smooth onboarding, of devices whereby you need to simply scan a QR code printed on a device. Moreover, you can skip password management and confusing setup menus. This method is beneficial in the case of devices like smart plugs, cameras, thermostats, and printers.  
• Works Across Different Brands: All companies use the standard device provisioning process using DPP. Hence devices from various manufacturers can be onboarded the same way. Whether you try to connect a smart speaker from Brand A or a smart lock from Brand B, they all initiate the set-up in the same way. This delivers consistent and smooth user experience.  
• Treading a Passwordless future: With Wi-Fi Easy Connect, you do not have to remember, share, or mistype those complex Wi-Fi passwords. Instead, zero-touch provisioning lets devices to onboard via public-key-based authentication, making the process protected and simpler.  
• Connect multiple devices quickly: Wi-Fi Easy Connect facilitates easy assimilation of multiple devices to a network. They support bulk onboarding workflows where multiple enrollees (devices) can be configured in sequence or simultaneously using a single configurator device (like a smartphone or tablet).  
• Future-Proof for IoT Growth: As more devices are increasingly getting smarter, be it in homes or enterprises, Easy Connect ensures scalable, user-friendly onboarding. This proves ideal for today’s evolving wireless environments rather from smart homes to industrial IoT deployments. 

WPS Vs Wi-Fi Easy Connect: A Quick Comparison 

Real-World Use Cases of WPS Vs Zero-Touch Wi-Fi Onboarding

With the widespread application of wireless connectivity in modern life, the limitations of WPS-based onboarding led to the usage of Zero-touch Wi Fi onboarding across industries. Below are real-world scenarios where Zero-Touch Wi-Fi Onboarding using Wi-Fi Easy Connect (DPP) provides a future-ready solution, replacing outdated, insecure methods with seamless and scalable alternatives.  

Smart Homes: Easy Connect for Everyday Life 

Our everyday smart home devices such as smart bulbs, cameras, locks, and thermostats which are ‘headless’ [lacking screens or keyboards] makes traditional setup with WPS or manual credentials impractical for daily use.  

WPS Limitation
Requires physical router access or PIN entry, making setup hard for non-technical users. Fails with headless devices that lack screens or buttons. 

Easy Connect Advantage
Users can simply scan a QR code printed on the device or product box with a smartphone app. The Configurator (DPP based Access Points) provisions the device securely, with no passwords or buttons required. Faster setup reduces support queries and improves product stickiness. 

ISP Gateways and Mesh Networks: Lowering Operational Costs   

The ISPs and broadband providers that give you home internet may have to manually configure home routers, gateways, or mesh extenders for customers in a fast, scalable, and secure way. 

WPS Limitation
Manually configuring each device during installation is prone to errors and increases support costs.  

Easy Connect Advantage
ISPs can send devices that already have QR codes or bootstrap them via DPP during installation. Hence, customers or technicians need to scan once only, and all mesh nodes are securely connected. This saves time and money on either side. 

Industrial and Enterprise IoT: Streamlined Security for Mass Device Deployment 

Enterprises and factories deploy thousands of IoT devices (sensors, security cameras, robots) across distributed environments with limited physical access.  

WPS Limitation
Requires manual configuration per device. Easily prone to brute-force attacks and offers no centralized control or security enforcement. 

Easy Connect Advantage
Wi-Fi Easy Connect facilitates secure, large-scale provisioning of headless IoT devices using a QR code or NFC. A DPP-enabled access point or gateway acts as the Configurator, delivering encrypted credentials to Enrollees through public-key exchange. This eliminates the need for physical interaction or manual setup, streamlining onboarding for hundreds of devices with strong security and minimal effort. 

OEM Smart Devices: Enabling Interoperability and Global Rollouts 

Device manufacturers need a universal, secure, and brand-agnostic onboarding solution for millions of products shipped globally.  

WPS Limitation 
As different companies offer varied set up methods, this leads to confusion as devices do not work well together. WPS is not a preferred mode of set up in many modern ecosystems due to its security concerns.  
 
Easy Connect Advantage  
All manufacturers can use the same secure set up using DPP irrespective of brand. This brings uniformity in onboarding experience and customers benefit from consistent user experience across brands. Also, manufacturers ensure compliance with latest Wi-Fi Alliance standards (WPA3 + DPP).  

Conclusion  

In the modern day eco system, where devices are getting ‘smarter’ be it in homes, offices or factories, the old WPS method may not suffice to meet current needs. Handling multiple devices in a secure manner could be a tedious task. Hence, Wi-Fi Easy Connect, using DPP technology can address these issues with precision, by way of providing strong security through advanced digital keys. A convenient method of Wi Fi onboarding by simply scanning a QR code or tapping devices together, providing for universal compatibility makes it super-efficient with any brand of device.  

Zero-touch provisioning proves to be secure, simple and futuristic. Above all, it offers a way of upgrading the way we connect our devices in modern life. At ThinkPalm, we place strong emphasis on delivering reliable, future-ready solutions like Wi-Fi Easy Connect on RDK-B, helping operators achieve secure and scalable IoT onboarding.  

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