How does encryption protect a wireless network?

Encryption protects a wireless network by transforming data into an unreadable format using an algorithm. This ensures that only authorized devices (the Access Point and the client) with the correct decryption key can interpret the transmitted information, maintaining confidentiality. While encryption can include integrity checks (like those in WPA2/WPA3), its primary function is confidentiality, not just detecting forgery. Encryption does not directly prevent zero-day attacks, which exploit unknown vulnerabilities; it secures the data itself. Enforcing policy to block unauthorized users is typically handled by authentication mechanisms, often used in conjunction with encryption, but it's not the direct function of encryption itself.