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, check out our post.
What is Wi-Fi Direct?
Wi-Fi Direct is a connection that enables device-to-device communication and connects devices without a central network nearby. One device acts as an access point, the other connects to it via the security protocols WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and WPA / WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access).
But doesn't that sound exactly like Bluetooth? While 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 than Bluetooth at higher speeds - 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, when no Wi-Fi network is available as an intermediary for devices. In casual or difficult circumstances, multiple devices can connect and share important files without the security concerns that may arise when connecting to a hub or central network.
Which 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 release of the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in October 2011. Although Android Wi-Fi offers P2P, functionality depends on the smartphone or tablet model and manufacturer. The iPhone officially ended support for Wi-Fi Direct in March 2016. Instead, Apple uses the proprietary technology AirDrop or AirPlay..
There are also many entertainment devices out there 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. Also, there are peripherals 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.
- Printing with wireless printers : Wi-Fi Direct can easily process large amounts of wireless information, making it ideal for demanding wireless printing jobs.
- Screencasting and Screen Sharing: From playing mobile games on a big screen to sharing family photos or videos on your TV, Wi-Fi Direct is used for all kinds 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 sync : Some devices use Wi-Fi Direct to sync information and update media. This can speed up the process significantly, especially if new media need to be added at the same time.
- Activation of NFC : NFC, or near field communication, is usually viewed as a separate radio technology. But that fast connection actually uses Wi-Fi Direct to carry information.
