Wi-Fi Direct is a universal technology that was developed to provide users with the ability to carry out a full-fledged wireless network connection between multiple devices, as well as high-speed data exchange, regardless of the presence of an access point (router). Help: Created by the Wi-Fi Alliance, another name for Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer.
By analogy, the use is similar to Bluetooth, but has several advantages:
- significant connection speed (250 Mbps);
- greater range (the ability to connect in places with poor communication);
- high degree of data protection (WPA2);
- ease of connection (without wires and incomprehensible numerous settings);
- the ability to connect literally all electronic devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVs, cameras, printers, digital photo frames) and create one common network.
There is no main coordinator in the Wi-Fi Direct network (like a router in Wi-Fi connections), its role is “transitional” and depends on the power or functionality of the connected devices. Usually it can be a laptop, then in terms of autonomy and peripherals: a smartphone, tablet, printer, camera, etc.
Useful features of Wi-Fi Direct
Despite its simplicity, the technology is truly universal and has two rational functions: Device Discovery and Service Discovery. In other words, they allow gadgets not only to network without routers (access points, etc.), but also to predetermine the possibilities of their work in the network. If you want to transfer a video file or clip, only those devices that can play it will be available to you in the list of connections, which, you see, is very convenient.How to set up Wi-Fi Direct on an Android smartphone
- Turn on WiFi in your phone settings.
- Click on the Wi-Fi Direct icon (maybe at the bottom of the screen), start searching for available devices.
- Confirm the selection of the connected device. Ready!
The same steps must be done with another device connected to the smartphone.
Tip: If you want to transfer files to your device, select "Send via Wi-Fi Direct".
How to connect PC to TV via Wi-Fi Direct
- We open the instructions for the TV using the “How to connect to the router” section, connect to the one to which the PC (or laptop) is connected.
- Next, perform the actions on the computer: "Network" - "Turn on network discovery and file sharing" - "Make the network private." In the window that appears, we see a list of all devices connected to this network. We select the necessary ones.
- We send files to the TV (how to do this, read above) and enjoy watching on the big screen.
This instruction is general, standardized, but in principle, each TV model comes with a step-by-step instruction with a Wi-Fi Direct section.
Note that Wi-Fi Direct technology is convenient both for home, non-professional use, and for work in offices and corporations (for transferring a large number of video, photo, audio files and presentation materials from smartphones ⁄ tablets ⁄ PCs to projectors, laptops, printers, etc.).
How to use Wi-Fi Direct on Android is a very common question. The fact is that new technologies are constantly appearing in the world to simplify people's lives. One of them is Wi-Fi Direct. Since this is a relatively new technology, few people know how to use it and what it is for.
What is WiFi Direct
This is a new wireless communication standard that allows you to transfer information between several devices that support this technology. It is worth noting that you do not need an access point (router) to connect and transfer data. In other words, you can connect two or more devices directly. For example, you can connect two Android phones via Wi-Fi if they support this technology.
It is worth noting that this function is supported by almost every modern tablet and smartphone with Android OS. Of course, if we are talking about a budget gadget, then such functions may be absent.
And you don't need to configure anything.
Devices detect each other automatically. In addition to the gadgets we are used to, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and so on, using Wi-Fi Direct, you can also connect printers, scanners, Smart TVs, digital photo frames, DVD players, etc.
The main thing is that the device is equipped with this function.
Now you know what is Wi-Fi Direct on Android phone. Now we can move on to the question of how this standard works.
How the technology works
It is immediately worth noting that the data transfer rate with a direct connection can reach 200-250 Mbps. In this case, the radius of action with line of sight is 200 meters and about 50-100 meters in buildings. Also, the level of security of such a communication channel deserves special attention.
To work with this standard, the device must be equipped with the appropriate chip. They are of several types:
- Operation in the 2.4 GHz band.
- In the 5 GHz band.
- Working in both ranges.
Wi-Fi Direct on Android has some very useful features. For example, Device Discovery, as well as Service Discovery. They allow smartphones and tablets (and other devices) to find each other and create a network between them. In this case, everything happens without your participation.
Moreover, these functions allow you to get information about the capabilities of each gadget on the network. For example, when you want to transfer a video from your tablet to another device, only those devices that can receive and play this file will be displayed in the list of connected devices.
The developers claim that this standard creates a fairly secure communication channel. However, in fact this is not the case. As long as we are talking about home use, there is no threat to personal data. But the situation is different if you use such a function in the office. Here, many users can join the network. Any Wi-Fi Direct for Windows can act as a proxy, and such a computer will receive all information about any device on the network.
Setting up Wi-Fi Direct on Android devices
To set up Wi-Fi Direct on Android, go to your Wi-Fi settings and turn on the adapter.
You will automatically be redirected to the search page for devices that also support this feature. It should be noted that it should also be enabled on other gadgets.
Once your smartphone finds the desired connection, simply select it and confirm the connection. Further devices will be united in one network (like Bluetooth). Now you can transfer files or broadcast sound and image to other devices. Nothing else needs to be configured.
How to transfer files from an Android tablet using Wi-Fi Direct
To begin, enable this function on both the transmitter and receiver and connect them as described above. Then open the file manager on the sending device and find the desired file.
Hold your finger on it until the menu appears. Select "Send via". Next, select the appropriate option (in our case it is Wi-Fi Direct).
As you can see, everything is very simple and clear. Absolutely everyone can handle it. At the same time, as mentioned above, every modern Android tablet supports Wi-Fi Direct technology.
There is a Wi-Fi Direct app for Android - installing such a program will make using the new communication standard on your phone or tablet easier and more convenient.
In addition to simple data transfer, users can connect devices such as printers, TVs, an audio system, and so on through this standard. It is important that these devices are equipped with the appropriate chip.
Disadvantages of Wi-Fi Direct
Like any other technology, this wireless communication standard has its drawbacks:
- Ether clogging. The fact is that when organizing a regular network, all gadgets are connected to one access point. But in the case of Wi-Fi Direct, many separate connections are created. Moreover, participants can be both people (users of tablets, smartphones, laptops, and so on) and gadgets - printers, scanners, TVs, etc. As a result, there can be several tens or even hundreds of networks in one multi-storey building. Because of this, a real mess is created on the air. In this case, the networks cannot be controlled. This, in turn, affects the data transfer rate.
- As mentioned above, weak level of protection when it comes to connecting in office and public buildings.
- Energy intensity. On the one hand, this feature is very useful and allows you to transfer large files at high speed. This also reduces the amount of time it takes to transfer information. But such a speed requires a significant expenditure of energy.
And considering how much this will affect the autonomy of the gadget, it should be understood that you should not get carried away with this function. Smartphones and tablets run out of battery rather quickly. It should be noted that Bluetooth consumes much less electricity.
- Long range. It would seem that this is an advantage. On the one hand, it is. But on the other hand, attackers can take advantage of this. In addition, given that in this way we litter the air, such a range becomes more of a negative than a positive quality.
- And finally, it is worth remembering that in order to use this function appropriate chip required. Of course, modern phones are equipped with both adapters (Wi-Fi and Wi-Di). But there are still quite a lot of devices that do not support this technology.
So now you know how to connect Android to Android via Wi-Fi directly. Despite the existing shortcomings, this connection is still widespread. And although it will not replace Bluetooth, its useful features simplify some tasks.
Wi-Fi Direct on Android: Video
What is WiFi Direct, what is it for on the phone? You have probably transferred files via Bluetooth more than once and sometimes you had to wait a very long time for one large file to be transferred. WiFi Direct is a great opportunity to transfer large files at high speed from one phone to another phone, tablet or other device that supports Wi-Fi Direct technology.
How to transfer files via WiFi Direct? Since in our time technologies are improving every day, we can watch high-quality movies on our phone, and the phone is also capable of shooting no less high-quality video, which can take up more than one GB of memory. Now imagine if we want to transmit or receive a good quality video, then even the fastest bluetooth will take a lot of time. That's why, to transfer large files, we'd better use wifi direct with which we can transfer files from one phone to another phone or device that supports this function ten times faster. Now I think you are starting to understand what wifi direct is on a phone and what it is for.
How to transfer files over wifi? Nothing complicated on the transmitting phone, you need to enable wifi, and on the receiving phone or other device, enable wifi and wifi direct. Next, select the desired file, picture, music or video on the phone and select wifi direct in the transfer functions, and confirm reception on the receiving device. after which you will see for yourself how fast you can transfer via wi-fi compared to Bluetooth or infrared. You have probably already understood basically what Wi-Fi Direct is and why it is needed, this function helps to transfer files at high speed to another device.
Here's how you can enable wifi direct on android, perhaps on some devices the way to turn it on may be slightly different, but I think if you think a little yourself, it will not be difficult to find. And so, to find where wifi direct is enabled on Android, open "Settings" then "All settings" then "More" and check the box next to "WiFi Direct" and that's it, the Wi-Fi direct function is enabled. Now you can transfer and receive files at high speed, but before that, do not forget to turn on Wi-Fi on the transmitting device.
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Wi-Life comment: this technology is intended for personal use or use in small groups, and, it can be said, speaking on this topic, we are somewhat deviating from the main direction of the resource. Nevertheless, Wi-Fi Direct may well become a common and convenient addition to corporate Wi-Fi network infrastructures, so we decided to cover this topic on our website.
The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct™ mark marks devices that support a new technology that allows devices to connect directly. This makes it possible to significantly simplify tasks such as printing documents, sharing documents, synchronizing and displaying information. Devices bearing this mark can communicate with each other directly and without the need to join a traditional WiFi-standard home or office network.
Mobile phones, cameras, printers, computers, gaming devices can now connect directly to transfer content (transfer) and share applications quickly and easily. Connecting devices certified as Wi-Fi Direct is very simple and is done at the touch of a button. In this case, only one device is required to support Wi-Fi Direct. Any other wireless equipment can be used to connect to it and then exchange data. All WiFi Direct connections are secured with WPA2, which is the most advanced wireless security technology in Wi-Fi (). Wi-Fi Direct allows devices to communicate directly with each other without an access point, and there is no need to look for an Internet connection.
In what cases is it usedWi- fidirect
Devices with Wi-Fi Direct can be used for all types of applications - share content (collaboration with information), synchronize data, communicate on social networks, play games, listen to music or watch videos, etc., i.e. do all the same things you do with Wi-Fi devices today, only easier and without the need for an internet connection. Wi-Fi Direct certified devices can form connections with virtually any certified and standardized Wi-Fi device that your friends or acquaintances already have. You only need one WiFi Direct enabled device to form a group. Now networks based on the Wi-Fi standard are not just an access medium with the main task of accessing the Internet, but it ensures that you interact with your friends everywhere.
According to recent research, users around the world said they would like to use Wi-Fi Direct to chat, share photos, display photos from portable devices on a monitor or TV screen, use video chat, and play video games together outside the home, such as on public transport.
How WiFi Direct works
It is important to reiterate that the use WiFi Direct possible without the presence of any network WiFi. All you need is at least two devices. You may see available devices and request to connect with them, or you may receive an invitation message to join from another Wi-Fi Direct device.
In this case, the search functions for devices and services are used. Wi-Fi Direct: Wi-Fi Direct Device Discovery and Service Discovery , which allow users to set available devices and services before establishing a connection. For example, if the user wants to print a document, then he can find out which Wi-Fi networks the printer supports.
A Wi-Fi Direct certified device can establish peer-to-peer connections such as P2P, and can also participate in infrastructure-like scenarios. WiFi Direct devices can join standard networks Wi Fi like regular Wi-Fi devices. WiFi Direct devices can form point-to-point (one-to-one or peer-to-peer) or point-to-multipoint (one-to-many) topologies. The last option is similar to the BSS model.
Devices can participate in the Group as certified for WiFi Direct , and just having the usual WiFi certification. However, only the device can form and maintain a group. WiFi Direct. Regular Wi-Fi devices can only be clients in this group.
When two or more Wi-Fi Direct certified devices establish a connection, they form WiFi Direct group using technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (simplified establishment of a secure connection in Wi-Fi ( approx. Wi- Life. en) and state-of-the-art security mechanisms WiFi . For safe use Wi-Fi Protected Setup either press the corresponding buttons on both devices at the same time, or enter PIN -code. After that, you can start doing whatever is necessary.
Р2Р technologies (Peer - to - Peer ) play an important role in cases where a fast connection is needed.
Let's look at some examples of how Wi-Fi Direct is used to provide additional user experience:
A student in a hostel needs to print out the assignment before coming to the audiotorium. Her laptop is authorized to access the university's Wi-Fi network, but she is not authorized to connect and use her printer to the Wi-Fi network. In this typical situation, a student can print documents on the printer directly using Wi-Fi Direct and at the same time check email via the university's Wi-Fi network.
Friends have gathered for a party, film each other on the cameras of their smartphones and share photos with everyone.
-An employee of the company was on a business trip with his tablet or lightweight netbook, and then, upon arrival, in a simple way, synchronizes the files he created with his corporate laptop
In all these cases, Wi-Fi Direct will be an excellent technology that makes life easier.
One of the main sources that served as the basis for this article is (eng).
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wifi direct- this is an opportunity for a device with WI-FI, using special programs, to act as an access point, a WiFi router.
In modern TVs or tablets, as well as phones, support is indicated WiFi and separate support
What is the difference between these 2 wireless connections WiFi and WiFi direct ?
What is WIFI Direct
WIFI direct What is this — The answer to this question is as follows, if Wi-Fi Direct support is declared, the device can work as an access point, providing the ability to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi to other devices. The most used WIFI direct solution in phones. By turning on the access point on the phone, you get the opportunity to connect via wifi to the phone with another phone, tablet, laptop. In this case, the phone receives the Internet via a mobile network, and distributes the Internet to other devices via wifi.
WiFi standard
There are no global differences, only in ordinary WiFi to connect various devices, you must use a router (separate device), when installing certain software, you can also make a router from a tablet or laptop in this case, the computer will act as a router.
The principle of operation of the router consists in the fact that one channel receives and transmits information to one device, such as a TV, and another channel, for example, to a tablet.
The router also performs data transfer routing. Devices using only WI-FI can connect to the router using either a passwordless connection or a secure connection, if the router uses a secure connection, then you can only connect to it by knowing the password.
WiFi Direct, what is it?
In this case, if the device supports Direct, it can act as a virtual access point without any additional settings or software changes (password connection is similar to Wi-Fi). To a device that supports, you can connect other devices that only support WI-FI.
Many sites include the ability to create a connection to a single network of various devices or the direct connection of several devices as an advantage.
H Basically, this statement is not entirely true. Since one of the devices, as a rule, this is the most advanced device (tablet or smartphone) acts as a router.
But of course, it’s convenient, no one argues, for example, connecting a printer or TV to a smartphone with the press of a button, it’s very convenient. But nothing can replace a router for the constant operation of devices in a single network. Alternatively, you can, for example, connect a tablet to watch a movie on a TV or print photos from a smartphone, but this is convenient one-time. But in practice it is more convenient to buy a router for $15-20 and create a permanent computer network.
