What type of password is utilized in WPA2 Personal to secure a network?

WPA2 Personal utilizes a setup password, often referred to as a Pre-Shared Key (PSK), to secure a wireless network. This type of password is chosen by the user during the configuration of the network and is used by all devices that wish to connect to that network. The PSK must be entered correctly by each device attempting to join the network, establishing a secure connection based on this shared secret.

The setup password is fundamental to creating a secure wireless environment, as it helps in authenticating users and encrypting the data transmitted over the network. This encryption ensures that unauthorized users cannot easily intercept or decode the information being exchanged.

In contrast, long-term, temporary, and encryption passwords do not specifically describe the mechanism employed by WPA2 Personal for securing networks. A long-term password might refer to a more persistent credential, while a temporary password could imply time-limited access, neither of which apply to the static PSK used in WPA2 Personal. An encryption password, while integral to security, does not capture the essence of the user-chosen setup password that directly facilitates network access in WPA2 Personal mode.