WPA Encryption Features
WPA is designed to replace the existing WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) protocol. The reason why wireless LANs were not very secure in the past was due to certain flaws in the standard encryption technology “WEP.”
WPA is a new technology that inherits the basic principles of WEP while resolving its shortcomings. By strengthening the algorithm used to generate encryption keys, it is almost impossible to calculate the shared key even if packet information is collected and analyzed.
WPA also adds features to prevent data tampering mid-transmission and authentication capabilities. With these features, all the previously criticized shortcomings of WEP are fully resolved.
WPA Application in Home Wireless Networks
A complete WPA implementation is relatively complex. Due to the difficult operation process (Microsoft even offers a dedicated certification course for these setup procedures), it is not very practical for general users to implement. Therefore, home networks adopt a simplified version of WPA – WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key).
The encryption example in this document uses the TP-LINK Router model: TL-WR941N, and the TL-WN821N wireless network adapter.
Before setting up, please ensure correct cable connections. Also, keep a network cable connecting the computer to the LAN port of the wireless router for convenient access to the TP-LINK router configuration at any time.
(I) Setup and Instructions on the TP-LINK Router
Open the TP-LINK Router’s “Wireless Parameters” -> “Basic Settings”: