WPA2 vs. WPA

Choose WPA2 for the best router security

by
Bradley Mitchell
Writer
An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking.
our editorial process
Bradley Mitchell
Updated on June 25, 2021

WPA2 is an upgraded version of Wireless Protected Access (WPA) security and access control technology for Wi-Fi wireless networking. WPA2 has been available on all certified Wi-Fi hardware since 2006 and was an optional feature on some products before that. We reviewed both to help you choose the router security that best meets your needs.

The newest generation of Wi-Fi security is WPA3, which was released in 2018.

WPA 2 vs. WPA

Overall Findings

WPA

  • More secure than WEP.

  • Uses TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol).

  • Might have lengthy transmission time.

WPA2

  • Improves upon WPA security.

  • Capable of using TKIP or AES.

  • Might require greater processing power.

When WPA replaced the older WEP technology, which used easy-to-crack radio waves, it improved WEP security by scrambling the encryption key and verifying that it wasn't altered during data transfer. WPA2 further improves the security of a network with its use of stronger encryption called AES. Although WPA is more secure than WEP, WPA2 is more secure than WPA and the right choice for router owners.

WPA2 is designed to improve the security of Wi-Fi connections by requiring the use of stronger wireless encryption than WPA requires. Specifically, WPA2 doesn't allow the use of an algorithm called Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), which is known to have security holes and limitations.

Pros and Cons: When You Have to Choose

WPA

  • Might support older firmware.

  • Offers basic security.

  • Lighter network usage.

WPA2

  • Simple to use.

  • Increased security.

  • Could slow network performance.

Many older wireless routers for home networks support both WPA and WPA2 technology, and administrators must choose which one to run. WPA2 is a simpler, safer choice.

Using WPA2 requires Wi-Fi hardware to work harder while running the more advanced encryption algorithms, which can theoretically slow down the network's overall performance more than running WPA. Since its introduction, though, WPA2 technology has proven its value and continues to be recommended for use on wireless home networks. The performance impact of WPA2 is negligible.

Basic Security: Password Length

WPA

  • Shorter password required.

  • Add new devices quickly.

  • Secure for home groups.

WPA2

  • Longer password required.

  • Added layer of protection.

  • Secure for potentially public networks.

Another difference between WPA and WPA2 is the length of the password. WPA2 requires you to enter a longer password than WPA requires. The shared password must be entered one time on the devices that access the router, but it provides an additional layer of protection from people who would crack your network if they could.

Usage: Business Considerations

WPA

  • No enterprise solutions.

  • Appropriate for home use.

  • No unique credentials required.

WPA2

  • Personal and Enterprise options.

  • Best for corporate Wi-Fi.

  • Enterprise edition assigns unique credentials.

WPA2 comes in two versions: WPA2-Personal and WPA2-Enterprise. The difference is in the shared password that is used in WPA2-Personal. Corporate Wi-Fi should not use WPA or WPA2-Personal. The Enterprise version eliminates the shared password and instead assigns unique credentials to each employee and device. This limits the damage that individuals with network access could otherwise do.

Final Verdict: WPA2 is the Safest Choice

Because of its increased security features, including Enterprise options, lengthier password requirements, and an added layer of protection, WPA2 is the safest option. However, if you have older firmware or a slow connection, WPA does offer some security.

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