What is wifi direct. Wi-Fi Direct on the phone - what is it? How to enable Wi Fi Direct on Android and transfer files. Who is the boss in the group?

Wi-Fi Direct, also called Peer-to-Peer, is a protocol stack of the upper seventh layer of the OSI model. In other words, a set of rules governing interaction with low-level program services with an interface facing the user. These standards are designed to direct connection of devices to each other, bypassing routing equipment, and allowing the establishment of complex decentralized structures.

Features of the technology and how it works

This technology uses familiar modules operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies within the framework of the common 802.11 a/b/g/n specifications. In essence, this is a refinement of the SoftAP mode. A software access point is created and, using the same WPS, others are connected to it.

The new standard supports the same speed as the regular one, that is, up to 250 MB/sec. Although at a lower speed, the throughput is more than sufficient for the most demanding content. The performance of the created P2P space depends on what equipment is used: 802.11 a, b or n and on the profile of its electromagnetic environment (other sources creating interference).

The range of Wi-Fi Direct is the same as that of a regular one - no more than 250 meters.

The number of participants in a group united by the new protocol cannot be as large as in a star topology. Multiple connections is provided only for some devices with this function, for example, smartphones. There are also those that can use only one channel.

Each gadget with this system automatically detects potential “interlocutors”. It sends information with a list of its own services and receives similar signals from neighboring ones, analyzing their content. To establish a connection between devices, just select the one you need from the list and press the button. All equipment connected using the P2P principle is ranked according to computing power. Control is often provided to those that have greater productivity (laptops, Cell phones, gaming consoles). They have expanded administrative powers compared to digital cameras, printers, photo frames and other similar digital assistants. However, absolutely anything that works with P2P can initiate the creation of an appropriate environment. Moreover, devices with conventional modules can be added here.

Digital assistants, which are native to this new technology, can simultaneously reside both in their community and in the central infrastructure formed by the router. Multi-vectoring is optional and, for example, typical of laptops and smartphones.

Also, any member of Wi-Fi Direct is able to access the Internet by connecting to the host, while remaining in a secure domain common to all. Secure Domain is a zone protected by the WPA2 certification program that uses the router's access point to access the Internet and is managed separately from the rest of the intranet.

Another participant cannot see the list of its contacts without the permission of someone else's operating system. The amount of information that is publicly available depends on the application that users are running. This is how LAN games initially request permission to identify themselves and are given the right to search for similar inclusions. The same can be said for photo and image services.

Advantages and disadvantages

Direct “communication” of all “smart” devices provides serious time savings. Obviously, sending something for printing directly from a tablet using Wi-Fi Direct technology is much easier than “throwing” it onto a Windows 7/8/10 computer and then sending it to a USB printer. Showing a photo or video from your phone using a large TV screen is more convenient if you send it directly to its destination. Various photo frames and projectors are becoming more interactive, the online component for games is diversifying, and access to the Internet is becoming more flexible.

To the disadvantages the following can be attributed:

• air pollution. There are a lot of multidirectional “negotiations” in the “point-to-point” style, and the periphery is added to them, which creates a mess on the radio;
• dubious security in places saturated with digital technology (offices, shopping centers, train stations and airports). The multiplicity of signals creates a complex topology in which each participant has dozens of connection options and the ability to use neighbors as proxies;
• Energy consumption. The signal power places great demands on the power supply. Autonomy is reduced;
• Availability special chip, allowing you to initiate the subsystem.

Ordered signal streams

Exists two main sets rules for local circulation of large volumes of data. These are DLNA and Miracast. However, the latter is the most appropriate in this case. For each of them, leading manufacturers have developed a lot of programs.

DLNA supports multimedia traffic: video, photo, music. To operate in wireless mode, a central switch with an access point is required. The server is a transmitting device on which a special program creates a server. The client simply displays the image on the screen. So software installed on a computer with DLNA uses a central switch to use the large TV screen.

Miracast can operate in point-to-point mode and, in addition to providing transport for typical audio and video files, can stream desktop images. The developers have provided functionality that ensures smooth playback of the video stream and the absence of desynchronization. Establishing contact and beginning the exchange of signals occurs in a couple of touches. The video signal is transmitted using the H.264 codec in Full HD. The sound is processed in AC3 format in 5.1 format. A separate advantage is that the standard is supported by all smartphones equipped with an operating system starting with Android 4.2.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct

You can make sure that the function is present by going to wireless network settings on an Android phone. Usually the corresponding sub-item is displayed there. Exactly at detailed menu In this subsection you can find all possible connections, select the one you need and connect. Now file sharing directly will become active in Explorer.

WiFi Direct in Windows 10 is included in the network connection properties. We look for a device that supports this technology and connect to it.

While an expected step to simplify user operations with a variety of electronic devices, the technology remains crude. It certainly works, you can use it, and, in itself, it does not cause any complaints. But the lack of software and the small number of equipment with a specialized chip certainly delay its widespread distribution. Let's hope that the time when order will finally be restored in this area is not far off.

For a long time now, readers have been asking me to talk about technology like WiFi Direct. With its help, you can connect your phone to a TV and broadcast the mobile phone screen to it via wireless communication. How to enable it on an Android smartphone? How to use on a TV - LG, Samsung, etc.? All this is discussed in this article.

What is WiFi Direct?

Wi-Fi Direct is one of the wireless information transmission standards that allows you to create direct connection between devices without an intermediate link in the form of a router.

That is, simply put, a TV with WiFi Direct support will itself be a wireless access point. It will relay the signal to which you can connect, like any router. And directly display an image from a mobile phone or laptop screen onto it.

If we delve a little deeper into the theory, then at the hardware level, Wi-Fi Direct chips are by and large almost identical to ordinary WiFi modules that are installed in all modern devices. The use of this technology allows you to transmit information at a frequency of 2.4 GHz over a distance of no more than 200 meters with line of sight. Also today there are more expensive modules operating in the 5 GHz band. They have a higher speed, but there is greater signal loss over a distance.

In practice, most often both devices are located in the same or adjacent rooms, so the connection quality is acceptable for transmitting video to high resolution at any frequency. The maximum speed varies depending on several indicators. Such as the signal level, as well as the number and specifications connected gadgets.

Today, the application of Wi-Fi Direct is mainly focused on home electronics. There are also its varieties, which are also often referred to as, AnyCast, ChromeCast, Wireless Display, and so on.

What are the advantages of Wi-Fi Direct technology?

The technology under consideration has undeniable advantages compared to competitive solutions.

• The main advantage is easy installation connections. There is no need to buy a router and set up a network. It will already be created by default - you just need to connect to it and you can use it.
• Also, the data sending speed is good, comparable to other Wi-Fi systems. That is why manufacturers equip most modern devices with the appropriate protocol.
• The Wi-Fi Direct communication function is supported on most modern TVs, smartphones and tablets. Or, if it is not available on your TV, you can purchase an inexpensive adapter that is universal for any brand of TV - Samsung, LG, Philips and others. It will work just like a built-in module.
• Another good thing is that the technology is universal and works on all operating systems - from Windows 10 and MacOS to Android and iOS.

Disadvantages of WiFi Direct

• But there are also disadvantages to WiFi Direct. The main one is the low level of security. According to experts, it surpasses Bluetooth in terms of quality of protection. But corporate use poses a threat to privacy, since any mobile device can act as a proxy. As a result, unauthorized persons are able to gain access to information that is not intended for public access.
• The second disadvantage is the rapid drainage of the battery. Since files are transferred at high speeds, devices are forced to expend increased amounts of energy. This feature affects the autonomy of a smartphone or other gadget that has the corresponding function enabled.
• Another disadvantage is that when organizing a regular Wi-Fi network, all devices are connected to a single access point. Wi-Fi Direct technology works differently - once turned on, several separate channels are created. As a result, air pollution occurs, leading to a significant decrease in the speed of all networks located in the area.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on TV?

Modern TVs may have different program menus. Therefore, before enabling the method of transmitting information via WiFi Direct, I recommend that you read the user manual for your specific TV model, where the manufacturer describes the necessary sequence of actions. Usually, thanks to intuitive controls, you can figure out how to enable Wi-Fi Direct yourself.

I suggest you general instructions to display the smartphone screen on a TV:

1. Open Settings or Options (depending on model)
2. Select network connection options
3. Click on "Wi-Fi Direct"
4. Select the TV name on your mobile device
5. Establish a wireless connection
6. Confirm connection

How to use Wi-Fi Direct on your phone using built-in Android tools?

Typically, Wi-Fi Direct technology does not require any additional installation. software to the phone. The Android system already contains the corresponding settings. I have already shown how “” works in Xiaomi. Now let’s look at the example of “naked” Android 8.0:

Once the connection is established, the user will be able to transfer information, broadcast images from the screen or play sound files on the TV speakers.

Wi-Fi Direct Apps on Android

Although support WiFi functions Direct is already built into all modern OS, there are many applications from third party developers. They often make things easier and make screen display controls more beginner-friendly.

Thank you! Did not help

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 Wi-Fi 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 running Android OS. Of course, if we are talking about a budget gadget, then such functions may not be available.

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 Wi-Fi Direct is on an 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 speed with a direct connection can reach 200-250 Mbits. In this case, the range of action with line of sight is 200 meters and about 50-100 meters in buildings. Also special attention the level of security of such a communication channel is worthy.

To work with this standard, the device must be equipped with the appropriate chip. They come in several types:

• Operates in the 2.4 GHz band.
• In the 5 GHz band.
• Operating 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 among themselves. 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 a tablet to another device, only those 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 feature 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 network settings and turn on the adapter.

You will automatically be redirected to a page to search for devices that also support this feature. It is worth noting that it should also be enabled on other gadgets.

Once your smartphone finds the connection you want, simply select it and confirm the connection. Next, the devices will be united into one network (like Bluetooth). Now you can transfer files or stream audio and video to other devices. You don't need to configure anything else.

How to Transfer Files from an Android Tablet Using Wi-Fi Direct

To begin, enable this function on the sending and receiving devices and connect them as described above. Then open the file manager on the sending device and find the file you want.

Hold your finger on it until a menu appears. Select "Send via". Next, select the appropriate option (in our case, Wi-Fi Direct).

As you can see, everything is very simple and clear. Absolutely anyone can handle this. Moreover, as mentioned above, every modern Android tablet supports Wi-Fi Direct technology.

There is a Wi-Fi Direct application 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, audio systems, 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 with Wi-Fi Direct, many separate connections are created. Moreover, participants can be both people (users of tablets, smartphones, laptops, etc.) and gadgets - printers, scanners, TVs, etc. As a result, in one multi-storey building there may be several dozen or even hundreds of networks. Because of this, a real mess is created on the air. At the same time, the networks cannot be controlled. This, in turn, affects the data transfer speed.
• As mentioned above, weak level of protection, when it comes to connections 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 naturally reduces the time required to transfer information. But such speed requires significant energy expenditure.

And considering how much this will affect the autonomy of the gadget, you should understand that you should not get carried away with this function. Smartphones and tablets already run out of battery quickly enough. It is worth noting that Bluetooth consumes much less electricity.

• Long range. This would seem to be an advantage. On the one hand, this is true. But on the other hand, attackers can take advantage of this. In addition, given that in this way we litter the airwaves, such a range becomes more of a negative than a positive quality.
• And finally, it’s worth remembering that to use this function the corresponding chip is 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

Every year more and more new technologies appear that are designed to improve and make our lives easier. One of them is WiFi Direct. What this is will become clear if we take a closer look at the technology itself and the principle of its operation. Devices that support this method of communication are capable of transmitting data at high speeds - up to 250 megabits per second, and over a fairly long distance - up to 200 meters. And network reliability is ensured by a higher degree of channel protection. To build a network on such a basis, there is simply no need for a router.

Key Features

It's worth taking a closer look at WiFi Direct. What is this? This is a new standard for information transfer that allows several gadgets to connect to each other without using a router or other network device. It is not necessary for a person to participate in this process, since the devices can automatically detect each other. So far this is not even a standard, but a certification. Currently, two devices can only connect wirelessly using a router as an intermediate link. However, a router is no longer required if you use WiFi Direct. What it is and how this method works is discussed here.

This method allows you to connect several gadgets at the same time. In addition to devices such as standard laptops, smartphones and phones, you can connect digital photo frames, scanners, printers, video recorders, etc. to the network, and the main condition here is the presence of an appropriate chip.

As it was before?

Home networks have already undergone the introduction of similar services and protocols several times. Among those existing on this moment WiFi Direct is considered the most promising development, which has only one obstacle to development - consumer reaction.

Some people have the opinion that this standard will soon completely replace the well-known Bluetooth, which is quite popular at the moment. So, if we consider WiFi Direct, what it is will become clear after determining the advantages of such a solution in comparison with traditional Bluetooth. Here we can talk about a higher data transfer speed, increased distance, as well as reliable channel security. However, there are also disadvantages that are quite significant.

Characteristics

WiFi Direct chips are worth considering. How to use this technology will become clear later. Elements can be one of two types: for the range of 2.4 gigahertz, 5 gigahertz, and simultaneously supporting both of these values.

The technology has a couple of useful capabilities: Device Discovery and Service Discovery. With their help, gadgets not only find each other and unite into a network without any human intervention, but also allow you to learn about the capabilities of each device. For example, if you need to transfer an audio file from a smartphone somewhere, then the list of receiving devices will only include those that are capable of receiving and using this type of data, and all others will simply be excluded from it. This allows the user not to scroll through the entire list presented in search of a suitable gadget, but only to select the desired one from those that are displayed.

Difference from other types

A regular WiFi network assumes the primacy of the access point, which controls all other devices. The WiDi network also has a coordinator, but this function transmitted from one device to another, depending on power, autonomy, and functionality. So, the list of preferences looks like this: laptops, tablets, smartphones, consoles, and after them come peripheral devices, for example, printers, audio systems, digital cameras and others.

Flaws

So now you understand what WiFi Direct is; how to use it is also no longer a question. It is worth understanding its shortcomings. They are the ones who question the development of technology and its popularity.

Main disadvantages

• Air clutter. When a wireless network is organized in the usual way, all devices are connected to one access point. In this sense, we can talk about a big difference between WiFi Direct. How to set up such a network? Quite simple. Here we can talk about the simultaneous creation and operation of several networks in which gadgets communicate with each other, transferring data. This leads to the fact that, for example, several dozen or hundreds of networks will operate in a multi-story building, creating a real mess on the air, since they all broadcast with different powers and frequencies. Such networks cannot be controlled, which is why they create real clutter on the airwaves.
• Poor network security. Although manufacturers of WiFi Direct Android devices talk about the better security of such networks compared to Bluetooth, in reality everything is different. As long as such a gadget is used exclusively on a home network, we can talk about its security, but as soon as you bring it to the company’s office, where it begins to find other devices and connect with them, a problem already arises. The WiFi Direct network for Windows can be used as a proxy, with the help of which data will be received from any of the devices on the network, and even corporate information. It will be difficult for any specialist to monitor all the networks created by such a device, which will gradually lead to a ban on this standard in enterprises. As a result, it may remain popular only for home use, or disappear altogether.
• High energy intensity. On the one hand, it can be used to transmit large amounts of data over long distances and at high speeds. However, modern gadgets run out of charge so quickly that this additional load may well become a burden.
• Increased range of such technology is not always an advantage. Your network can be hacked from a long distance, it can be penetrated and used against you.
• Using WiFi Direct requires the use of a special chip, since simple WiFi is not suitable for these purposes. At the moment, there are gadgets that are equipped with both chips, but there are not very many of them.

conclusions

The main inconvenience of introducing such technology is that its support is provided by a separate chip that differs from traditional WiFi. And since not many manufacturers currently include such modules in their devices, users will not want to purchase new gadgets to use this technology.

Most likely, you use Wi-Fi every day at home or in a cafe; many people use this technology, or Bluetooth (sometimes just a necessary type of connection for a couple of devices). What if we take the best from them and combine them? It turns out that this is implemented in Wi-Fi Direct. This article will tell you what Wi-fi Direct is and how this technology works.

From Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi Direct

Most likely, everyone already knows what Wi-Fi is, if not the technical aspects, then at a subconscious level for sure. This wireless communication technology has a wide range of applications, but the most used is Internet access.

Casual using Wi-Fi consists of connecting to a router to gain access to the Internet. A router is a physical device that creates an access point, the existence of which can be verified on your smartphone or computer in the list of available connections. When connecting to the network, you need to enter a password and everything is ready, access to the network is obtained.

From the history of Wi-Fi Direct

Wireless data transfer of nearby devices, without the use of third-party equipment, is not new for a long time. One of the first and most widespread solutions was the introduction of Bluetooth, which appeared in 1998. Bluetooth is a wireless communication standard for connecting peripheral devices to a computer (wireless mice and keyboards) or telephone (headsets). Such devices do not require fast data transfer. Bluetooth is not a high-speed communication technology by today's standards, and there are also connection problems. Read what Bluetooth is and how it works.

The difference between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is that this connection has high speed and easier setup. It is because of these qualities of Wi-Fi that Wi-Fi Direct is a technology for fast and wireless communication and file transfer between different devices.

The first major company to use Wi-Fi Direct was Intel. They introduced the new standard in 2008 in the Centrino 2 platform. Two years later, in October 2010, major market players in the networking industry: Marvell, Atheros, Broadcom, Ralink and Realtek, began releasing their products. It is quite possible that your computer also has a Wi-Fi adapter from one of these manufacturers.

Google's Android OS product received direct support for Wi-Fi Direct from version 4.0, and Xbox one in 2013. The Windows family has supported the standard since Windows 8 on PCs.

Wi-Fi Direct, how does it work?

The main idea when developing Wi-Fi Direct was ease of setup, the ability to support it with all types of devices at a data transfer speed equal to the usual Wi-Fi.

It works quite simply: one device is detected by another, in exactly the same way as it detected a wireless network, it connects and the devices are connected. There is no need to adjust visibility, use long numbers or put up with problems f. Another advantage is that only one of the connected devices needs to support Wi-Fi Direct.

When two devices are connected using Wi-Fi Direct, one of them creates an access point, like a router, and the other device connects to it. The capabilities depend on the connected device: you can print to a wireless printer, the photo frame can receive and use photos, send files from your computer to your phone, or play music and movies on your TV. Often Android device They are used to distribute mobile Internet to other devices, but you won’t be able to connect to a Wi-Fi network at the same time, because the device is already used as an access point. A positive feature of Wi-Fi Direct is that there are no passwords; the connection is encrypted by WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).

Now you know what Wi-Fi Direct is, and with easy installation, long range and high data transfer speeds, Wi-Fi Direct has an edge over Bluetooth in wireless data transfer. Perhaps in the future Wi-Fi Direct will be able to replace Bluetooth, because it simultaneously eliminates both the unnecessary standard and the hardware inside the device. This technology is newer, and replacing one standard with another can take quite a long time.