Solution iPhone iOS14 recognizing the range extender wireless network as "weak security"
Problem phenomenon:
If you have since updated your iPhone you may see the range extender’s Wi-Fi shown as having weak security. This is due to the range extender supporting the mixed WPA/WPA2 (AES/TKIP) by default for compatibility purposes. The iPhone now recognizes WPA as a weak security type. This may also be the same with other security suites with a similar notification.
Why range extender network is displayed as “Weak Security”?
A range extender is essentially a device that connects to an existing Wi-Fi hotspot and repeats the signal, so generally, it will generate the wireless security of the host Wi-Fi hotspot. While the default wireless security of the TP-Link range extender itself was auto, it supports WPA2+AES, as well as older WPA+TKIP for compatibility with older devices. Even though your iOS device recognizes the range extender network as weak security, it connects to the network with the stronger WPA2+AES by default, so there won’t be any security concerns upon to this point.
Troubleshooting : What to do if IOS devices shows ' weak security'?
Steps 1
Make sure main router is on WPA2-PSK (AES) and IOS devices does not show' weak security' when connected to main router
Here is a related guide to check security type on router:
Why my iOS14 warning weak security when I connect to TP-Link Wi-Fi
Step 2
Confirm Range extender is on the latest firmware :
Download the latest firmware for range extender from tp-link Download Center or make sure firmware is up-to-date on TP-Link Tether APP.
(select hardware version first before download the corresponding latest firmware)
Step 3
Restore the range extender to the factory default settings and re-associate the host Wi-Fi through the web page Quick Setup Guidance is as below:
https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2485/
RESET: with RE powered on, use a pin to push the reset hole until all the LEDs flash once
Note: if you use Tether app to install Range extender, update Tether app in Google Play or APP store first before set up.
If the above does not fix the problem, please report back with some information to help locate the issue:
1. Model of router & a photo of the wireless security settings on router
2. firmware and hardware version of range extender, better to attach a photo showing weak security
3. do you use Web or Tether to set up the extender
Note:
If some of your devices cannot connect to the whole Wi-Fi network after these modifications, you may need to change the wireless security back.
Let the community know if you have any further inquiries, thanks a lot~
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What should I do if Internet speed becomes slow via Range Extender?
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Solla-topee wrote
@saisrujan , Yes, we do have the plan to release the firmware to fix this issue and our senior engineers are working on it but the estimated date is still not clear
@Solla-topee It has been 3 weeks since you finally acknowledged the major security flaw. We absolutely need the fix immediately. We bought RE450v3 without realizing that there will be such a major security issue and now the unit is sitting unused. It's unfortunate that your team is not taking this issue seriously enough.
Please reply back with an ETA for the beta firmware for RE450 v3 that fixes the TKIP issue.
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saisrujan wrote
Solla-topee wrote
@saisrujan , Yes, we do have the plan to release the firmware to fix this issue and our senior engineers are working on it but the estimated date is still not clear
@Solla-topee It has been 3 weeks since you finally acknowledged the major security flaw. We absolutely need the fix immediately. We bought RE450v3 without realizing that there will be such a major security issue and now the unit is sitting unused. It's unfortunate that your team is not taking this issue seriously enough.
Please reply back with an ETA for the beta firmware for RE450 v3 that fixes the TKIP issue.
I support your request.
This is a serious problem that requires a fix ASAP.
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And I would add an ETA for RE200s as well, as they are impacted too.
The issue was acknowledged eventually, but the timeline is still unclear after several weeks and after even more weeks we pointed out this issue and the company didn't confirm it and just replied inconsistently.
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@Solla-topee Can I have that beta firmware for RE450?
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@Solla-topee I am using an Archer C7 AC1750 router with WPA2 and AES enabled on the router. This is confirmed. I also have the RE450 v2 which is reported TKIP and we experience handoff issues between the C7 and RE450 so the efforts to reset the RE and associate have been unsuccessful.
Please update when the firmware will be updated for the RE450v2. and any other troubleshooting measures possible.
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I'm having the same problem - do you have an firmware update for the RE305 V1? The latest one I could find was from 2018.
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I have two RE450 and both showing "weak security" .. would love to get my hands on beta firmware ?
thanks in advance
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Good day!
Thank you very much for your continuous concern about this issue.
For the RE200 v1/V2, RE305 V1, since the model has been released for quite a long time, it might take some time to provide a suitable solution, the beta firmware, or some other suggestions.
As for the ETA, it is still under discussion and I would update here once I got the final news.
For the RE450 V2, it should not have this issue so that there is no beta firmware; @kghgk, please feel free to send an email to support@tp-link.com and our senior engineers would follow up your case directly; subject【forum ID 232218】RE450 v2 weak security
Or later, the related engineer would get In touch, and please have a check on your email box.
As for the RE450 v3, the official firmware is on the way but I am sincerely sorry that there is no ETA either.
But I promised the community would be the first to update the estimated time of arrival.
Thanks a lot for your time and patience.
Your understanding would be highly appreciated.
Have a nice day.
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Solla-topee wrote
As for the RE450 v3, the official firmware is on the way but I am sincerely sorry that there is no ETA either.
But I promised the community would be the first to update the estimated time of arrival.
@Solla-topee Thank you. We will wait eagerly.
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For the RE200 v1/V2, RE305 V1, since the model has been released for quite a long time,
And what about RE200 V4? It is a different product? RE200 V3 has been approved in 2018, so I suppose that V4 is from 2019 - it is an old product in your opinion? AES support should be included for even older devices. Please resolve this issue ASAP, because it is unacceptable.
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