Solved Can WPA3 be implimented on RT-AC87U/R routers via firmware

[Sky]

Considering the issues with CVE-2019-15126 (krOOk), et al compromising even AES WPA2, is WPA3 something that can be implemented on the ASUS RT-AC87 routers?

Sky

 

[RMerlin]

Highly unlikely, especially for that model since it uses a separate chip with its own firmware to handle the 5 GHz band, and AFAIK, Quantenna stopped supporting that chip a few years ago.

Beside, there is no proven indication at this time that the RT-AC87U might be vulnerable.

 

[Sky]

I see what you mean. I didn't realize there was also a hardware requirement for implementation. Venturing over to WiFi.org it looks like the only ASUS out right now that supports WPA3 is the RT-AX88U and the GT-AX11000.

Tryin' to stay a step ahead...

https://www.wi-fi.org/product-finde...&subcategories=3&capabilities=9&companies=220

 

[RMerlin]

I didn't realize there was also a hardware requirement for implementation.

In this case, it's more about the software SDK than the hardware. Quantenna are the ones who would need to implement WPA3 support for that model if the hardware allows it, and they are no longer supported that product.

 

[System Error Message]

Considering the issues with CVE-2019-15126 (krOOk), et al compromising even AES WPA2, is WPA3 something that can be implemented on the ASUS RT-AC87 routers?

Sky

Highly unlikely, especially for that model since it uses a separate chip with its own firmware to handle the 5 GHz band, and AFAIK, Quantenna stopped supporting that chip a few years ago.

Beside, there is no proven indication at this time that the RT-AC87U might be vulnerable.

it highly depends on 2 things.
1) if every feature is hardware based not firmware (unlikely)
2) if the vendor wants to add that to models not sold anymore

There are only 1-2 things that require hardware acceleration for wifi.
1) encryption and encoding
2) searching through signals to handle clients (why MU-MIMO cant be done over existing SU-MIMO)

The wifi chip has its own CPU, its a 2-3 main part SoC that has a CPU and a DAC/ADC with storage for its firmware. The CPU has its own accelerators for things like AES. The wifi hardware isnt very different from the design of a soundcard or oscilloscope. You have your digital processing, CPU, and converters and have hardware limits like channels and so on.

So WPA3 can be done on existing models, however performance will be slower if there is some new encryption or encoding scheme not supported by the NIC CPU and can use main CPU but not suggested.