How to find out your Wi-Fi connection type and security

Wireless internet access has become an integral part of everyday life in today's world, but few users consider how secure their connection is. Whether you're connecting to a public network at a cafe or setting up a home router, the type of encryption protocol used plays a crucial role in the security of your personal data. Network security — this is not just an abstract concept, but a concrete standard that determines how easily an outsider can intercept your traffic.

It is often necessary to determine exactly which security method is currently in use, especially if devices refuse to connect or the performance leaves much to be desired. Knowing which How do I find out my Wi-Fi connection type?, allows you to not only troubleshoot compatibility issues but also select optimal router settings. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at protocol testing methods on various operating systems and explore the differences between older and newer standards.

Determining the encryption type is the first step to properly administering your home network. Many users confuse the operating frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) with the security type, although these are completely different parameters. Below, we'll look at practical methods for identifying the protocol to help you ensure the security of your access point.

Main types of Wi-Fi security protocols

Before we move on to the practical part of the diagnostics, it's important to clearly understand what exactly we're looking for. Security protocols have evolved over the years, and several variations are now available on the air. The most outdated and extremely vulnerable standard is WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). It was hacked many years ago, and using it today is equivalent to not having a password at all, as the encryption key can be brute-forced in minutes.

It was replaced by the standard WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), which is also now considered insecure, but was found on devices from the early 2000s. The modern gold standard for many years was WPA2, which uses the robust AES encryption algorithm. This protocol provides a balance between compatibility with older devices and a high level of security.

However, progress does not stand still, and a new protocol has replaced WPA2. WPA3, which was introduced in 2018. It addresses many of the vulnerabilities of its predecessor, particularly in terms of protection against brute-force password attacks. If your hardware supports this standard, it is the preferred option.

It's important to note that modern routers often operate in mixed mode, prompting devices to select the best available protocol. This can create an illusion of security if one of the connected devices is using an outdated standard. To check current network parameters, you can use the operating system's built-in tools or specialized software.

⚠️ Warning: If your router still uses the WEP or WPA (TKIP) protocol, we strongly recommend changing the settings in the admin panel immediately. These standards do not provide adequate protection for personal data.

Why is WPA2 still popular?

Despite the release of WPA3, most devices worldwide still use WPA2-AES. This is because the WPA3 standard requires a more powerful processor in the router and client network card, as well as operating system support. WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode allows new devices to operate using the new protocol while maintaining connectivity for older devices.

Checking the connection type on Windows 10 and 11

The Windows operating system provides fairly detailed information about the wireless connection status, but this data is buried deep in menus. To find out the security type of your network, you don't need third-party programs. Simply follow a few steps through the system interface.

The fastest way to get information is to use the command prompt. This is a universal method that works the same on all versions of Windows, from XP to the latest builds of Windows 11. You'll need to run the command prompt with administrator privileges or in normal mode, as standard user privileges are usually sufficient for viewing profiles.

Enter the following command in the terminal:

netsh wlan show interfaces

In the list that appears, find the line Authentication (Authentication). The value in this line will indicate the protocol used, for example, WPA2-Personal or WPA3-PersonalYou can also get detailed information about a saved profile by entering the command:

netsh wlan show profile name="Your_Network_Name" key=clear

Here, it's important to replace "Your_Network_Name" with the actual name of your Wi-Fi network. In the "Security settings" section, you'll see the encryption type. This method is especially useful if the graphical interface isn't working correctly or if you need to quickly check the settings of the network your computer is currently connected to.

An alternative route for those who prefer a graphical interface is through Windows Settings. Click Win + I, go to the section Network and Internet, then select Wi-Fi and click on the link Properties active network. Scroll down to the "Security Type" section. The encryption protocol used will be listed there.

Network diagnostics on Android and iPhone smartphones

Mobile operating systems also allow you to check connection parameters, although the interface may differ depending on the OS version and the manufacturer's interface. On Apple devices with iOS 14 and later, the functionality is significantly expanded, allowing you to see not only the encryption type but also the security level.

On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings, go to the section Wi-FiFind your network name in the list and click on the blue information icon. (i) to the right of it. In the menu that opens, scroll down to the item SecurityThe protocol type will be indicated there, for example, WPA2/WPA3If you see the message "Weak Security," this is a clear signal that you need to change your router settings.

On Android smartphones, the path may vary. Typically, it looks like this: Settings → Connections (or Network and Internet) → Wi-FiClick the name of the current network or the gear icon next to it. In the network properties menu, look for the line "Security" or "Protocol."

Please note that on some older versions of Android (below version 10), detailed protocol information may not be displayed in the standard interface. In this case, you can use third-party analyzer apps, such as Wi-Fi Analyzer, which provide comprehensive information about all available access points within range.

⚠️ Note: Android interfaces vary greatly depending on the manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei). If you don't see "Security" in the main settings, try tapping "More" or "Advanced Settings" in the Wi-Fi menu.

Analyzing security settings via the router's web interface

The most reliable way to find out your connection type and, if necessary, change it is to log into your router's control panel. This is where the "true" settings that the router broadcasts are stored. To access it, you'll need the device's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and administrator login and password.

After authorization, you need to find the section related to the wireless network. Depending on the router model (TP-Link, ASUS, Zyxel, Keenetic), it can be called Wireless, Wi-Fi Network or Wireless network. Within this section, look for the subsection Wireless Security or Security.

Here you will see a drop-down list or radio buttons that determine the operating mode. If the value is selected WPA2-PSK [AES], then your network is protected by a modern standard. If you see WPA/WPA2 (mixed mode), the router allows both types of devices to connect, which reduces overall security to the weakest link level.

The table below shows examples of security type designations in the interfaces of popular router manufacturers:

Changing settings in this section will require a reboot of the wireless module. All connected devices will temporarily lose connection and will need to reconnect using the new encryption protocol. Make sure your devices support the selected standard before applying the changes.

Using specialized PC utilities

For users who require a more in-depth analysis of their wireless environment, specialized programs exist. These allow you to not only view the current protocol but also scan all available networks and assess their security. One popular tool is the utility Acrylic Wi-Fi Home or NetSpot.

These programs create a visual network map, showing channels, signal strength, and, most importantly, encryption type. In the list of available networks, the "Security" or "Auth" column will immediately show whether a neighbor's Wi-Fi uses the outdated WEP or the modern WPA3. This is useful for auditing your own network for "random" access points with poor security that could interfere with your network.

Another powerful tool is WiresharkThis is a professional traffic sniffer that allows you to analyze data packets. However, for the average user, it can be overkill and complex. For the simple task of "finding out the connection type," simpler scanners, such as the one built into Windows, are sufficient. netsh or mobile analyzers.

For legal diagnostics, use only proven tools from official websites.

Comparison of encryption standards and their impact on speed

The choice of connection type affects not only security but also network speed. Switching from WPA2 to WPA3 requires more complex calculations when establishing a connection, which theoretically could slightly increase ping on very old equipment, but in today's environment the difference is negligible. However, using compatibility mode (WPA/WPA2 Mixed) can reduce overall network performance to the level of the slowest device.

Encryption algorithm AES The Advanced Encryption Standard (TIPS) used in WPA2 and WPA3 is hardware-accelerated on most modern processors. This means that encryption and decryption of data occurs with virtually no loss of internet speed. In contrast, the older TKIP algorithm used in WPA is not only vulnerable but also limits connection speeds to the standard 54 Mbps, even if the router supports 300 Mbps or higher.

If you notice that your Wi-Fi speed doesn't exceed 50-60 Mbps on a gigabit plan, check your security type. You may have TKIP compatibility mode incorrectly selected in your router settings. Switch to clear AES will solve this problem instantly.

It's also worth considering that some IoT devices (smart light bulbs, plugs) may not support WPA3. In such cases, you'll need to leave the mixed mode enabled or create a separate guest network with less stringent requirements, isolating the main home network.

What is the difference between WPA2-Personal and WPA2-Enterprise?

WPA2-Personal (or WPA2-PSK) uses a single shared password for all devices, making it ideal for home use. WPA2-Enterprise requires an authentication server (RADIUS) and individual logins/passwords or certificates for each user. This is the standard for corporate networks, providing a higher level of access control but is difficult to configure for the average user.

Can a router update add WPA3 support?

It depends on the hardware. WPA3 requires a certain amount of processing power and support from the Wi-Fi chip. If your router was released before 2018, it likely doesn't physically support this standard, and no firmware update will add this feature. Check the specifications for your model on the manufacturer's website.

Is WPA2 safe to use in 2026-2026?

Yes, provided you use a strong password and AES encryption. Vulnerabilities like KRACK were patched in security updates several years ago. WPA2 is still considered a secure standard, although WPA3 is preferred for newer devices.

Why does my phone say "Weak Security" when connecting to Wi-Fi?

This message appears if the router uses WEP, WPA (TKIP), or WPA2 with TKIP encryption. The operating system warns that data transmitted on such a network may be intercepted. There's only one solution: go to the router settings and change the security type to WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA3.