Differences Between WPA3, WPA2, and WPA: Security Upgrades and Applications

As wireless network technology continues to evolve, Wi-Fi security protocols are constantly being upgraded. From the earliest WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) to WPA2 and the latest WPA3, each generation of protocols has improved security and usability. This article will explore the key differences between WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 and introduce the security protocol support in Huawei ONT V173 and V173-50V.

1. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

WPA was introduced in 2003 as a wireless network security protocol designed to replace WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). Its main features include:

• TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol): Compared to WEP, TKIP provides stronger data encryption and integrity verification.
• Dynamic Key Updates: WPA regularly changes encryption keys to enhance security.
• Compatibility: Supports older devices while also being suitable for newer Wi-Fi devices.

Despite the security improvements, WPA still has vulnerabilities, such as susceptibility to KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack).

2. WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)

WPA2 was introduced in 2004 as an improved version of WPA and is still widely used in various wireless devices today. Key features include:

• AES Encryption: Compared to TKIP, AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) provides stronger security and is difficult to crack.
• 802.1X Authentication Support: Enhances enterprise network security by providing more refined access control.
• Wide Compatibility: Suitable for most Wi-Fi devices, including home and enterprise-grade equipment.

However, WPA2 still faces some security challenges, such as offline password cracking attacks on PSK (Pre-Shared Key) mode.

3. WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)

WPA3 was launched in 2018 to address WPA2 security vulnerabilities and enhance user experience. Its core advantages include:

• SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals): Replaces WPA2’s PSK authentication method to prevent offline dictionary attacks.
• Personalized Data Encryption: Ensures data protection even when users connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Enhanced Public Wi-Fi Security: Encrypts data automatically in open networks, improving user privacy protection.
• Stronger Device Compatibility: Especially beneficial for IoT (Internet of Things) devices, simplifying connection processes.

4. Which Devices Support WPA3?

All WPA3-supported devices must pass the Wi-Fi Alliance’s Wi-Fi CERTIFIED WPA3™ certification. Users can check whether a device supports WPA3 by searching for it on the Wi-Fi Alliance’s official website. Huawei Wi-Fi devices began supporting WPA3 from the V200R019C00 version, and as of the V200R020C10 version and later, all Huawei Wi-Fi devices support WPA3.

It is important to note that to adopt WPA3 security for a Wi-Fi network, both the Wi-Fi device and the terminal must support WPA3. If a Wi-Fi device supports WPA3 but the terminal does not, there are transition modes to ensure compatibility while gradually migrating to a WPA3 network:

• WPA2-Personal Transition Mode: Uses a WPA2-WPA3 hybrid authentication mode. Terminals that do not support WPA3 will connect via WPA2, while WPA3-supported terminals will still use WPA3.
• OWE Transition Mode: Terminals that do not support OWE authentication will connect using open authentication, while those supporting OWE authentication will use OWE.

Huawei’s ONT (Optical Network Terminal) V173 and V173-50 support the latest WPA3 protocol. These devices provide a more secure wireless connection, making them particularly suitable for households and businesses requiring high-security standards. WPA3 support enables users to effectively prevent attacks when connecting to Wi-Fi, enhancing network security while optimizing the connection experience.

Additionally, Huawei ONT V173 and V173-50 remain compatible with WPA2, ensuring seamless connectivity with existing devices. This allows users to enjoy enhanced security standards while still connecting older devices to the network.