WPA2 mixed mode is a Wi-Fi security setting that allows a wireless network to simultaneously support both WPA2 and the older WPA encryption protocols. This ensures compatibility with a wider range of devices, including older ones that may not support WPA2.
Understanding WPA2 Mixed Mode
When WPA2 mixed mode is enabled, the access point (router) can use either:
- WPA2-Personal with AES encryption: This provides stronger security using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm.
- WPA-Personal with TKIP encryption: This utilizes the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) for encryption, which is older and less secure than AES.
The router and the connecting device negotiate the best supported encryption method. Newer devices will likely connect using WPA2/AES, while older devices will fall back to WPA/TKIP.
Why Use WPA2 Mixed?
The primary reason to use WPA2 mixed mode is compatibility. If you have older devices that cannot connect to a network using WPA2-only security, enabling WPA2 mixed mode allows them to connect, albeit with a potentially less secure connection.
Security Considerations
It's crucial to understand the security implications of using WPA2 mixed mode:
- Reduced Security: Because the network has to support the weaker WPA/TKIP encryption, it makes the entire network vulnerable to attacks that target WPA. An attacker may be able to exploit the vulnerabilities in WPA/TKIP, even if most of your devices are using WPA2/AES.
- Discouraged Practice: Security experts generally discourage the use of WPA2 mixed mode.
Recommendation
Whenever possible, you should use WPA2-Personal (AES) only. This provides the strongest security for your wireless network. If you have devices that don't support WPA2, consider upgrading them or replacing them if security is a primary concern. If you absolutely must support older devices, understand and accept the security risks associated with WPA2 mixed mode.
