What is the role of encryption in securing wireless networks?

The role of encryption in securing wireless networks is primarily to protect data from being intercepted during transmission. When data is transmitted over wireless networks, it can be susceptible to interception by unauthorized parties. By using encryption, the data is transformed into a code that can only be deciphered by authorized users who possess the correct decryption key. This ensures that even if data packets are captured during transmission, the information contained within them remains confidential and cannot be easily understood by an attacker.

While encryption strengthens the security of a wireless network, it is important to note that it does not inherently prevent unauthorized connections or speed up connections. Additionally, encryption is not directly responsible for requiring user authentication, though it can work alongside other security measures to create a more secure environment overall.