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What are the different WiFi network security modes, and how can I change them?

There are different security modes for home WiFi networks. These are the most common:

  • WiFi Protected Access (WPA)
  • WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
  • WiFi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)

Security modeDetails
WPA
  • Uses an encryption key for every packet.
  • Makes it difficult for hackers to read messages, even if they've intercepted the data.
  • Uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)
WPA2
  • Offers great protection.
  • Uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) instead of TKIP to provide a stronger encryption.
WPA3
  • Is the most advanced.
  • Offers the most protection by using Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) encryption.
  • Only allows WiFi devices that support WPA3 to access it.

Note: You can also use an open security mode, which means there are no security settings and anyone within range of your network can access it without a password. Using an open security mode may put your private information at risk and isn't recommended.

Change your WiFi security mode

Using Xfinity xFi

  1. Sign in to the Xfinity app using your Xfinity ID and password.
  2. Select WiFi from the navigation at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Select your network.
  4. Select Edit WiFi settings from the pop-up card.
  5. Use the drop-down menu to change your Security mode.
  6. Once finished, select Save.

Note: If you change these settings, you may need to reconnect your devices to your home network.


Using the Admin Tool

If you have WiFi Boost Pods, you can't change your security settings in the Admin Tool. Refer to the steps above for changing your security mode with xFi.

  1. Connect to your WiFi network.
  2. In a web browser, navigate to http://10.0.0.1 and sign in.
    • If you haven't changed your login information, the default username is admin and the default password is password.
  3. Navigate to Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi, then select Edit to change the security mode.
  4. To complete the change, click Save Settings at the bottom of the page.

Note: If you change these settings, you may need to reconnect your devices to your home network.


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