Personal vs Enterprise Authentication
Learn the difference between a shared key and per-user logins.
Two Ways to Log In
WPA2 and WPA3 come in two authentication modes: Personal and Enterprise. Personal uses one shared password for everyone; Enterprise gives each user their own credentials checked by a central server. This lesson explains the difference, how each works, and when to choose one over the other, a topic that appears regularly on the Network+ exam.
Personal Mode (PSK)
Personal mode, also called PSK (Pre-Shared Key), uses a single password that everyone connecting must enter. The home Wi-Fi password on your router sticker is a PSK. It is simple to set up and perfect for homes and small offices. Everyone shares the same secret, and knowing it is all that is needed to join the network.
All lessons in this course
- Why Open Wi-Fi Is Risky
- From WEP to WPA2 and WPA3
- Personal vs Enterprise Authentication
- Hardening a Wi-Fi Router