What is Wi-Fi Direct? Features, activation, setup

Wi-Fi Direct, also known as Wi-Fi P2P (Peer-to-Peer), is a wireless communication standard that allows devices to connect directly without using a traditional wireless access point or router. The Wi-Fi Alliance, a global non-profit organization that promotes Wi-Fi technology and certifies Wi-Fi products, defines and supports the technology. With the claimed support for WiFi Direct, a device can become a slave and other devices can connect to it. The most common use of WiFi Direct is in phones.

Which devices support Wi-Fi Direct?

Wi-Fi Direct is supported by a wide range of devices that can receive internet and distribute via Wi-Fi Direct or devices you can connect to, such as for information transfer or diagnostics. 

1. Smartphones and tablets: Most modern smartphones and tablets running Android and iOS support Wi-Fi Direct. This feature allows these devices to act as an access point and distribute the internet. 
2. Laptops and computers: All laptops, and some computers have wireless modules programmatically. They can switch the module to Wi-Fi Direct mode. 
3. Printers: Many modern printers support Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to print documents and photos directly from smartphones, tablets, or computers without a traditional network.
4. Televisions and streaming devices: Smart TVs support Wi-Fi Direct to enable direct streaming from mobile devices or computers.

What is the difference between Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct?

Wi-Fi is a traditional method of wireless networking in which devices connect to an access point, usually a router, which acts as a communications hub. In this case, the router facilitates the transfer of data packets between devices, allowing them to access the Internet and network resources. Devices on a Wi-Fi network operate primarily in “client” mode, relying on the router to manage traffic, assign IP addresses, and provide security.

Wi-Fi Direct, on the other hand, allows devices to change the mode of operation. Wi-Fi Direct allows a device that initially operates as a peripheral to switch to master or “router” mode, managing communications with other devices. In Wi-Fi Direct mode, the device can be a hub for multiple connections or establish a single direct connection to another device. The technical component of the device, in particular the Wi-Fi module, plays a crucial role in Wi-Fi Direct. This module must be able to not only operate in standard “slave” mode but also to authorize and control peripheral devices. This includes assigning IP addresses, encrypting communications, and routing data packets – functions typically managed by the router in a traditional Wi-Fi system. The effectiveness of Wi-Fi Direct depends heavily on the software that controls the Wi-Fi module to ensure seamless and secure communication between devices.

Access point: WiFi Direct on your phone

You won’t find WiFi Direct settings on your phone, but you will find access point settings. Enabling a hotspot essentially puts the phone in multi-channel Direct mode with the ability to connect multiple devices. Usually, this mode is used to get internet through the mobile network and distribute it to other devices. But enabling point-to-point mode is usually initiated by applications; for example, Samsung phones have a Smart View feature that duplicates or mirrors the phone’s screen. So when you select a device from the list of available devices, the phone will establish a WiFi connection in point-to-point mode, with a TV. Early phone versions had a WiFi Direct setting, but then the connection management was automated as much as possible to simplify the setup. A second possible use is printing photos; if your printer supports WiFi, you can enable network search and, on your phone, enable the appropriate print program; the phone and printer will establish a connection, and you can print photos directly from your phone.

How to use WiFi Direct on your TV

WiFi Direct is available on your TV, I mean modern Smart TVs. But you won’t find such a setting, like in phones; the corresponding programs initiate direct mode. In a TV, it could be screen mirroring. To connect your smartphone to the TV, you must simultaneously run the mirroring program on your phone and TV. By default, the TV is in peripheral mode, and the smartphone scans WiFi channels and looks for a device that will respond to the initialization request. A list of available devices will appear on the phone’s screen. When the connection is activated, the TV screen displays a code that you need to enter on your smartphone or confirm the connection on the TV.

How to use WiFi Direct on your TV

Wi-Fi Direct is available on many modern Smart TVs, providing a convenient way to communicate directly with other devices, such as smartphones. However, unlike phones, where you might find a specific setting to enable Wi-Fi Direct, Smart TVs typically integrate this functionality within specific applications or features, like screen mirroring.

To use Wi-Fi Direct to mirror your smartphone’s screen on your TV, you generally need to initiate the connection process from both devices. The TV usually operates in a passive or peripheral mode, waiting for a connection request. On your smartphone, you would start a screen mirroring app or setting, which scans for available Wi-Fi Direct devices – in this case, your TV.

Once your phone detects the TV, it will appear on a list of available devices. Selecting the TV will initiate the connection process. Most TVs display a code or prompt confirmation for security purposes, ensuring you connect to the correct device. You’ll need to enter this code on your smartphone or confirm the connection on the TV to establish the link. After this, the TV mirrors the content from your smartphone, allowing you to share photos, videos, or other media directly on a larger screen.

WiFi Direct on other devices

Wi-Fi Direct technology is not limited to smartphones and TVs; it’s also integrated into various household devices for efficient information transfer and diagnostics. This technology facilitates direct device-to-device communication, bypassing the need for a central network.

• Printers: Many modern printers come equipped with Wi-Fi Direct, allowing them to receive print jobs directly from smartphones or tablets without a computer intermediary.
• Washing Machines: In some models, Wi-Fi Direct connects to service applications. This feature enables a technician to conduct remote diagnostics. For instance, you might download a specific app on your smartphone and connect to the washing machine, and the technician can then access error logs and perform diagnostics remotely.
• Refrigerators: Smart refrigerators like washing machines can use Wi-Fi Direct for diagnostics and management. This allows for convenient monitoring and troubleshooting, often via a smartphone app.
• Vacuum Cleaners: Some robot vacuum cleaners incorporate Wi-Fi Direct, though a standard Wi-Fi connection is more common in these devices. This feature enables remote control, allowing users to initiate cleaning sessions even when they’re not at home.
• Smart Light Bulbs: While Wi-Fi Direct is available in some intelligent light bulbs, the Zigbee protocol is often preferred due to its faster communication speed and lower power consumption. Wi-Fi Direct, however, offers an alternative method for direct control of these bulbs from mobile devices.

In each of these cases, Wi-Fi Direct provides a streamlined and often more straightforward method of communication between smart devices and user interfaces, enhancing the convenience and functionality of household technology.