What is Wi-Fi Direct? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking 24 24 people found this article helpful
What is Wi-Fi Direct?
Connect everything, no wireless router needed
By Jason Bennett Jason Bennett Writer George Brown College Jay Bennett is a former Lifewire writer and digital marketing consultant with 8 years' experience. His writing has appeared on the VisiHow website. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 5, 2019 Tweet Share Email BernardaSv/Getty Images Tweet Share Email Home Networking Wi-Fi & Wireless The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi Direct is a certified wireless technology that allows connections between devices without the use of a router or modem. Standard Wi-Fi requires you connect to an access point, then enter a password or security key. Similar to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct devices can communicate with each other to send and receive files, sync, view information on computers, screencast, and print documents. Wi-Fi Direct will connect two devices, or several simultaneously as a group, using WPA2 encryption (AES-CCMP). This level of security is a step-up from ad-hoc networks, which only operate with WEP encryption, leaving devices vulnerable to hacking. How Does Wi-Fi Direct Work
Originally named Wi-Fi P2P, Wi-Fi Direct utilizes software-enabled access points (SoftAP), which allows a supported device to act as a wireless access point, even if the device's original function isn't network-related. Supported devices can connect as a pair or a group without a wireless network (router, modem, etc.) present. Once you enable Wi-Fi Direct on a device, it will immediately scan for other supported devices nearby to connect to. For example, with smartphones and tablets, an invite is sent to a device once its discovered and selected. The receiving device taps a button or icon to accept the invitation and establish a secure connection. QR codes and Pin codes are sometimes required, similar to using Bluetooth, but most modern smartphones have simplified the connecting and discovering process to a few taps. Platforms That Support Wi-Fi Direct
Android-powered devices started supporting Wi-Fi Direct with the release of the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in October 2011. Even though Android offers Wi-Fi Direct, functionality is dependent on the specific phone or tablet model and manufacturer. An excellent example of reliable performance is with several of Samsung's smartphones and tablets; a Galaxy S5 will connect and send/receive files with a Galaxy S10 seamlessly. iPhone officially stopped supporting Wi-Fi Direct in March of 2016. Instead, Apple uses its proprietary tech called Multipeer Connectivity, which is a crucial component to iOS' AirDrop service. Television manufacturers such as Sony, LG, X.VISION, and Phillips offer specific models with Wi-Fi Direct support, as does the Xbox One gaming console. Using Wi-Fi Direct
File sharing is one of the most common uses of Wi-Fi Direct. Transfer speeds are much quicker than Bluetooth (up to 200 Mbps) which significantly reduces sending/receiving wait times. Printing documents wirelessly is another excellent way to utilize the convenience of Wi-Fi Direct. Instead of using a USB cable to connect your device to a printer, you're able to send the document wirelessly in seconds. Android smartphones and tablets can also project their screens onto Wi-Fi Direct supported TVs, allowing users to view content on a larger display. Wi-Fi Direct Device Compatibility
Although a wide range of consumer electronics offer Wi-Fi Direct as a standard option, compatibility between different manufacturers isn't always guaranteed. In most cases, Wi-Fi Direct works best when using hardware produced by the same manufacturer, due to the different proprietary technologies and services offered by varying companies. A Samsung smartphone, for example, can connect to an LG smartphone, but can't transfer files back and forth without a third-party mobile app. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use Wi-Fi Direct The Difference Between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi How to Connect Two Home Computers Through a Network How to Import Snaps From Spectacles How to Mirror Android to TV (Connect Your Phone Wirelessly) How to Fix It When PS4 Won't Connect to Wi-Fi How to Connect a Phone to a TV Wirelessly How to Connect Two Routers on a Home Network How to Use Your Android Phone as a Wi-Fi Hotspot How to Connect Chromecast to Hotel Wi-Fi How to Turn Your Windows Laptop Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot When and How to Turn Off Wi-Fi on Your Devices How to Measure Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength How to Use Bluetooth to Transfer Files Between Devices What Is Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)? How to Connect an Android Phone or Tablet to a TV Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies