CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)SecurityMedium
A small business owner wants to secure their Wi-Fi network. They have several smart devices (IoT) that only support older Wi-Fi security protocols, but their new business laptops support the latest standards. To provide the best possible security for all devices while maintaining compatibility, which Wi-Fi security mode should be configured on their access point?
- AWPA3-Personal
- BWPA2/WPA3-Personal Transition Mode
- CWPA2-PSK
- DWEP
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. WPA2/WPA3-Personal Transition Mode
WPA2/WPA3-Personal Transition Mode (or Mixed Mode) allows an access point to simultaneously support both WPA2 and WPA3 clients. This enables older devices (like IoT) to connect using WPA2, while newer devices (laptops) can utilize the stronger WPA3 security, providing compatibility and enhanced security where possible.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. WPA3-Personal would only allow WPA3-compatible devices to connect, blocking the older IoT devices.
- C. WPA2-PSK would allow all devices to connect but would not leverage the stronger WPA3 security for the newer laptops.
- D. WEP is highly insecure and should never be used, as it is easily cracked.
WPA2/WPA3-Personal Transition Mode
A Wi-Fi security mode that allows an access point to simultaneously support both WPA2-Personal and WPA3-Personal clients. This enables backward compatibility for older devices while providing enhanced security for newer, WPA3-capable devices.
- Supports both WPA2 and WPA3 clients
- Ideal for mixed environments with old and new devices
- Maintains compatibility while improving security for WPA3-capable devices
- Also known as WPA3 Mixed Mode
Memory trick: Transition mode lets old and new devices hold hands securely.