Modern devices are increasingly using Wi-Fi Direct. But what exactly is that anyway? We clarify.
Almost every smartphone has this function these days – Wi-Fi Direct or Wi-Fi P2P. If you’ve never heard of it before and don’t know what it is, read our post.
Also Read : WiFi or Wi-Fi – What’s the difference?
What is Wi-Fi Direct?
Wi-Fi Direct is a connection that enables device-to-device communication and connects devices without a nearby central network. One device acts as an access point, the other connects to it via the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and WPA / WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security protocols.
But doesn’t that sound exactly like Bluetooth? Although the technologies are similar at first glance, there are some important differences. One of the most important is that Wi-Fi Direct can process more information at higher speeds than Bluetooth – about ten times the speed in optimal conditions. This makes Wi-Fi P2P a good choice when a peer-to-peer connection needs to transmit data-rich content such as a high-resolution image or video.
Wi-Fi Direct is particularly helpful, however, if no Wi-Fi network is available as an intermediary for devices. Multiple devices can connect and share important files in a casual or difficult situation without the security concerns that may arise when connecting to a hub or central network.
What devices support Wi-Fi Direct?
Windows 10 supports Wi-Fi Direct as well as smartphones. Android-based devices have supported Wi-Fi Direct since the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich was released in October 2011. Although Android offers Wi-Fi P2P, the functionality depends on the respective smartphone or tablet model and manufacturer. The iPhone officially stopped supporting Wi-Fi Direct in March 2016. Instead, Apple uses the proprietary AirDrop or AirPlay technology .
There are also many entertainment devices that use WiFi Direct to stream content or screencasts from a mobile device. Chromecast, Roku and Xbox all have it, and many smart TVs also offer Wi-Fi Direct connections. There are also peripheral devices that offer wireless connections that can use Wi-Fi P2P instead of Bluetooth. These include wireless headsets with hi-fi audio, wireless printers, and even accessories like keyboards.
What is Wi-Fi Direct used for?
Some of the most common uses of Wi-Fi Direct today are:
- Fast file transfer : Wi-Fi P2P is a great way to quickly share large files with friends and acquaintances without setting up a wired connection.
- Print with wireless printers : Wi-Fi Direct can easily process large amounts of wireless information and is therefore ideal for demanding wireless print jobs.
- Screencasting and screen sharing: From playing mobile games on a large screen to sharing family photos or videos on your TV, Wi-Fi Direct is used for all types of screen sharing tasks.
- Playing together : For example, if you have the same game on your smartphone as your friends, you can connect your smartphones to Wi-Fi Direct and play together, if such an option is available.
- Fast synchronization : Some devices use Wi-Fi Direct to synchronize information and update media. This can speed up the process significantly, especially if new media have to be added at the same time.
- Activating NFC : NFC, or Near Field Communication, is usually considered as a separate radio technology. But this fast connection actually uses Wi-Fi Direct to transmit information.
Also Read : Wi-Fi Standards and their differences
