Apple Recommends Switching to WPA2 for Faster Wi-Fi

A new Apple Knowledge base document notes that Wi-Fi data rates  will not exceed 54 Mbps when using WEP or WPA. The note suggests switching to WPA2 connectivity for faster speeds. This switch may work to resolve iPad Wi-Fi speed issues, as noted in our iPad Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.

Apple’s Knowledge base document states:

“To allow the maximum 802.11n rates, ensure that your router or Wi-Fi Base Station is configured to use WPA2 or, alternatively, no password. For security purposes, it is recommended that you select WPA2 Personal when configuring your Wi-Fi Base Station. Note: AirPort Utility will not allow you to select WEP or WPA as an 802.11n option. It will only let you select WPA/WPA2 Personal or WPA2 Personal for general home use.”

For AirPort base stations, this setting can be switched using the AirPort Utility. For third-party routers, follow these steps:

1. Login to your router’s configuration page by opening a browser window and entering the address 192.168.1.1 (you may need to enter the username and password, which by default for many routers are: username: admin and password: password1)
2. Change the security setting to WPA2
3. Apply the changes, which will cause your router to reset

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SK( Managing Editor )

Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.

In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.