What type of encryption does WPA2 provide?

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II) provides encryption through the use of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). AES is a symmetric key encryption standard established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in response to the need for a secure method of data encryption. It uses key sizes of 128, 192, or 256 bits and is known for its strong security features, making it suitable for protecting wireless communications.

The choice of AES in WPA2 contributes to its robustness against various types of attacks that were more prevalent in earlier wireless security protocols. By employing a block cipher algorithm, WPA2 ensures that data transmitted over the Wi-Fi network remains confidential and secure from unauthorized access.

The other encryption methods listed, such as DES, 3DES, and RC4, were either already outdated by the time WPA2 was developed or are recognized for vulnerabilities that compromise security. Therefore, AES remains the gold standard for encryption in WPA2, facilitating secure wireless connectivity.