WPS

WPS commonly refers to Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a network security standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to simplify connecting devices to a protected wireless network. Introduced to help users join a home or small business network without manually entering a long WPA/WPA2 passphrase, WPS supports several methods for initiating a connection, including Push Button Connect (PBC), entering an 8-digit PIN on the device or router, and, in some devices, near-field communication (NFC). When a compatible router and client device are brought into proximity and the method is invoked, the devices negotiate the network credentials automatically.

Push Button Connect involves pressing a physical button on the router and on the client device within a short time window, while the PIN method requires entering or reading a PIN from the router’s label or from the device. WPS is designed to streamline setup and reduce the likelihood of errors compared with typing complex passphrases. However, discussions of security have noted vulnerabilities, particularly in the PIN-based method, which can be susceptible to brute-force attacks. As a result, many network administrators disable WPS to reduce risk, and firmware updates may address known flaws.

WPS Office, another use of the acronym, is a cross-platform office suite developed by Kingsoft, branded as WPS Office. It provides word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications with compatibility for Microsoft Office formats. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, WPS Office offers free and paid tiers and emphasizes lightweight operation and cloud collaboration features, appealing to users seeking an alternative to other office suites.

In other contexts, WPS can stand for organizations or services that use the same acronym, but Wi-Fi Protected Setup and WPS Office are the most commonly encountered meanings in technology and software discussions.