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Home / Glossary / SAE
Glossary · Protocol

SAE

Simultaneous Authentication of Equals

In plain language

The handshake that Wi-Fi uses to prove two sides know the password without sending it.

The metaphor

Like two people proving they know a secret without saying it aloud.

Going deeper

How it works

  • It is part of WPA3.
  • It stops attackers from guessing Wi-Fi passwords offline.
  • Each connection gets its own key.
  • Older devices may not support it.

What can go wrong (example scenario)

A small office upgraded its router, but older printers could not connect. It switched to a mode that supports both new and old devices.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers the managed firewall and switches that sit behind your provider's modem.

In practice
  • A router offers WPA3 with it.
  • A phone connects to a home network with it.
  • An older printer fails to join.

A question owners ask

Should I turn on WPA3?

Yes if your devices support it. Your IT provider can set a mode that keeps older devices working.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Network
  • Firewall managed and monitored
  • Switches kept current
  • On-prem Active Directory auth
Start with Network
Related terms
ACLAccess Control ListAHAuthentication HeaderAPAccess PointARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBPDUBridge Protocol Data UnitCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC ProtocolCCTVClosed-circuit TelevisionCHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication Protocol

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