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 information to be transferred between multiple devices that support this technology. It should be noted 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 over Wi-Fi if they support this technology.
It should be noted 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 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 Android phone. Now we can move on to the question of how this standard works.
How technology works
It should be noted right away that the data transfer rate with a direct connection can reach 200-250 Mbps. At the same time, the range with direct 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 an appropriate chip. They are of several types:
- Work in the 2.4 GHz band.
- In the 5 GHz band.
- Working in both bands.
Wi-Fi Direct on Android has some pretty useful features. For example, Device Discovery and 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, then the list of connected devices will display only those that can receive and play this file.
The developers argue 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 this is not the case if you use this feature in the office. This is where 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, enter the Wi-Fi wireless settings and enable the adapter.
You will automatically be taken to the page for finding devices that also support this function. It should be noted that on other gadgets it must also be enabled.
Once your smartphone finds the connection you want, just select it and confirm the connection. Further, the devices will be combined into one network (like Bluetooth). Now you can transfer files or stream sound and picture to other devices. You don't need to configure anything else.
How to transfer files from an Android tablet using Wi-Fi Direct
First, 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. Then select the appropriate option (in our case, it's Wi-Fi Direct).
As you can see, everything is very simple and straightforward. Absolutely everyone can handle this. At the same time, 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 transmission, users can connect devices such as printers, televisions, audio systems, and so on through this standard. It is important that these devices are equipped with an appropriate chip.
Disadvantages of Wi-Fi Direct
Like any other technology, this wireless standard has its drawbacks:
- Clogged ether... 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, one multi-storey building can have several tens 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 rate.
- As mentioned above, weak level of protectionwhen it comes to connection 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 speeds. This significantly reduces the time spent on transferring information. But this speed requires significant energy consumption.
And given 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 pretty quickly anyway. It should be noted that Bluetooth consumes much less power.
- Long range... It would seem that this is an advantage. On the one hand, it is. 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 negative than a positive quality.
- And finally, it is worth remembering that to use this function appropriate chip required... Of course, modern phones come with both adapters (Wi-Fi and Wi-Di). But there are still quite a few 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 supplant Bluetooth, its useful features simplify some tasks.
Wi-Fi Direct on Android: Video
You know what Wi-Fi technology is and you use it every day. You know what Bluetooth is and you use it quite often. The strengths of these two technologies can be weakened and this is called Wi-Fi Direct.
You can use Wi-Fi Direct on a TV only if it is a smart TV and even has wifi in it, this does not mean that you can turn on Wi-Fi Direct - this function may simply be absent. So the samsung ue55ju6600uxua TV has it, but the Philips 40PFS5709 does not, although there is Wifi on both.
You can connect on a samsung, sony, hp computer or laptop with Microsoft windows 10, windows 7 or windows 8.1 installed if they support Intel WiDi, via Windows Media or a virtual WI-Fi Direct adapter from Microsoft.
Android devices, iphone (iPhone), for example, 5s and smartphones or tablets with Miracast support did not stand aside either.
In general, it does not depend on the manufacturer, be it lg, samsung galaxy, philips, and Chinese meizu, zte blade, huawei honor 5a - even a printer can support Wi-Fi direct.
What does Wi-Fi Direct mean and what is it for
iWfi is a wireless technology with many applications - the most common internet connection.The most common way to meet WiFi for the typical user is to access the internet using a router.
A router is a physical device that creates an Access Point (AP) that you see on your smartphone, phone, or computer when you search for networks to connect.
To connect, select a network, enter a password (if necessary), and voila - you have access to the Internet.
Only there are times when you do not need the Internet, you want to connect only two devices and exchange data between them: send a file, for example, to a printer to print anything.
For this there is a technology developed to help even in these cases, and it is called - Wi Fi Direct.
Wi-Fi Direct - a bit of history
To send data to another device without wires and third equipment, one of the most popular types of communication is Bluetooth, which appeared in 1998.It is ideal for connecting peripherals to your computer such as a mouse and keyboard, or using wireless headphones as they do not require fast data transfer.
WiFi is fast. Therefore, WiFi Direct technology was adopted, for fast data transfer between two devices, and it is even much easier to enable, configure and use it and can be used for a wireless connection.
The first company to introduce WiFi Direct support was Intel: they introduced the first standard, the Centrino 2 platform, in 2008.
Then, two years later, several big players in the networking industry followed suit, such as Marvell, Atheros, Broadcom, Realtek Ralind. It is possible that your laptop's Wi-Fi is from one of these manufacturers.
Google also added support for WiFi Direct on Android 4.0. Blackberry OS received an update to version 10.2, and the first to support WiFi Direct Xbox was Xbox One, which launched in 2013.
Note: Some people are mistaken with WiFi Direct wireless connections, confusing it with Ad-Hoc.
This connection connects two computers using WiFi, but its speed is limited to 11 Mbps.
How Wi-Fi Direct works
The most important principles behind the WiFi Direct standard are very simple. The operating mode is as follows: the device detects another, as if opening a wireless network. Then enter the password or press the button and done, the equipment is connected.
No need to set visibility, just enter the numeric key as with Bluetooth technology.
In addition, only one of the two connected devices must support Wi-Fi Direct.
To connect two devices via Wi-Fi Direct, one must create an access point, like a router, and the other device connects to this access point. This process happens automatically, there is no need to do something manually.
You can wirelessly print and send photos from your phone to your computer, or play music on TV from your tablet or smartphone.
With this, you can forget about passwords. WiFi Direct technology uses Protected Setup (WPS), which is an easy way to connect two devices using secure wifi.
As with modern routers, simply enter the number displayed on the screen or press the connect button.
With its simplified configuration and faster speeds, WiFi Direct is a much better option than Bluetooth when it comes to transferring files between two or more devices.
Advantages in terms of ease of installation and scope of application, the sea is a useful standard for connecting peripherals.
Some analysts are even predicting the end of the Bluetooth era, although the technology is new enough that it may be years away. If you have any questions, please use the comments section below. Good luck.
Wi-Fi Direct technology - what is it? It is a state-of-the-art suite of software protocols that allows you to transfer files without an internet connection. Devices supporting this certificate can connect to each other and send data up to 200 meters away. The transmission speed reaches high rates - up to 250 megabits per second. It is also worth noting that this network has high channel security. Wi-Fi Direct technology is very similar to the well-known Bluetooth standard, but it surpasses it in many ways.
The specified method of data transmission greatly simplifies the work of users.
Progress does not stand still, and today you have the opportunity to perform unthinkable operations that you could only dream of before: print files directly from your phone, watch videos from your tablet on the TV screen, send photos from your smartphone to your laptop, openly use data on your computer through the TV. And all this without wires, waiting times and multi-stage settings.
Features of wireless technology
- This set of protocols is developed, certified and maintained by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
- After enabling the specified function on the devices, they automatically detect each other.
- You don't need a router to create a Direct network. A router can come in handy if you want to access the World Wide Web.
- You can create a 1 - 1 or 1 - many gadget connection. The devices to be paired include smartphones, laptops, computers, printers, keyboards, VCRs, routers, scanners, cameras, digital frames and other equipment.
- Supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Android platform.
- Devices with platforms below Android 4.0 do not include this feature.
- Only those devices that have a special chip can join this function. Most equipment with a year of release not earlier than 2015 contains this chip. Developers of global tech brands have announced that in 2016 all smartphones will be able to connect wirelessly and support DLNA function.
- Devices communicate with each other thanks to a peer-to-peer wireless connection "Ad-hoc".
- After the first successful attempt to connect devices over the Direct network, this process can be repeated where and when it is convenient.
- To prevent unauthorized intrusion into your network, the technology includes the Wi-Fi Protected Setup application.
How to establish a Direct network connection
There are two simple ways to connect equipment to each other:
- Turning on Wi-Fi Direct in the network settings of one device, then the other. The devices will find each other and start exchanging data.
- After the gadgets find each other, they will ask for a special PIN to confirm the operation. One device automatically generates this code, and on the other it is entered by the user.
Programs to enable new Wi-Fi Direct functions
Having established a connection using one of the two methods suggested above, you will need a special program to carry out the desired operation. There are 4 services developed by the linker:
- The wireless network itself allows devices to send messages and attachments, for example, you can send a video from a tablet.
- Miracast allows you to view videos, photos, presentations and play games on large TV screens. Setting up this feature on Windows 10 and 8 is easy, since Miracast is built into them: Devices-Projector-Add a wireless display. On Windows 7, it is hardly possible to enable this service, it is easier to use an HDMI cable for connection.
- DLNA service for viewing files from one device on another. Using this program, you can connect a PC running Windows 7, 8 or 10 to a TV, open access to files and set up a special utility for such communication on the TV.
- Wi-Fi Direct Print allows you to send files from your smartphone, tablet or any other gadget to print.
After connecting the Direct function, the device automatically detects compatible equipment and its software to carry out the necessary operations. For example, if you want to play the video from your tablet on your TV, you will need the preinstalled Miracast software. In the search, your device will display the gadgets supported by this service.
Today we got acquainted with such a set of software protocols as Wi-Fi Direct. This certificate has great prospects, since it eliminates the need to work with a router. Once you connect your devices using a wireless network, you can transfer data and receive files anywhere and anytime without an Internet connection. Keep up with technical progress a step and then you will find new opportunities for a bright and interesting life.
Manufacturers of mobile devices on the Android platform are increasingly equipping their products with a Wi-Fi Direct chip, but not all owners of modern tablets and smartphones know what it is.
Why do you need this chip and what advantages does it provide you? To understand this, let's first look at what Wi-Fi Direct means.
The software platform is one of the most important components for smart TV. You can easily find new apps and organize the ones you have installed. Bulgaria has kids, fitness and local development. For example, in the form of the Cook Me app, you have a complete cookbook with over 200 excellent classified recipes by country, food and dish, and the morning newspaper reading can also be streamed to TV with a dedicated 24 hours and trust.
It reproduces a much wider color range, up to 4 times the normal color range. Available in Film Mode, Natural Mode, Game Mode, and Advanced Sports Mode. We never unplug the TV, but in fact, most TVs still use electricity even when they are turned off.
Wi-Fi Direct is a new type of data transfer. It opens up the ability to exchange information between multiple devices.
This technology is similar to Bluetooth, that is, there is a direct connection without routers and access points. But, unlike Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct has a faster connection speed and a longer range.
Preparing for first use
Before performing these procedures, complete the following steps.
Device registration
You know this technology and you still use it every day. You know that too, and you still use it quite often. What if you combine all the strengths of the two? In this tutorial, we'll talk a little about this technology and how it works. You, of course, use a lot.It is a wireless technology with many uses, the most common of which is Internet connectivity. A router is a physical device that creates a hotspot or hotspot that you see from your smartphone, phone, or computer when you search for a network to connect.
Thanks to this technology, you can connect not only smartphones and tablets, but also other devices equipped with the appropriate chip. For example, the Wi-FiDirect chip is built into most modern TVs, and you can directly connect such a TV to a smartphone, laptop, computer, and so on. Thus, you can create a home network without the involvement of a router.
Connecting to another device
Choose the network you want, enter your passphrase and get it: you have Internet access. But there are also cases when you don't need the Internet, you only want to connect two devices and exchange data between them: send a file or print something on a printer. There is technology to help you in these cases, and it is called.
Having to send unmanaged data to another device without the need for a third device is nothing new. The way it works is also quite simple: the device detects another, as if it were detecting a wireless network. Then enter the password or press the button and the equipment is connected.
Wi-Fi Direct chip is a separate wireless module; due to the fact that this technology is new, such a chip is not yet used in laptops.
Even the most modern and expensive laptops cannot boast of the presence of this equipment, and among smartphones and tablets, not all gadgets support this technology.
When the function is not available
As you already understood from the above, the answer to the question of how to set up Wi-Fi Direct on a laptop is that it is impossible to do this. A chip is a hardware component: either it is there or it is not. Accordingly, this type of data transfer is not available to laptops.
This procedure is done automatically, you do not need to do it manually. The services available depend on the types of devices connected: you can print to a wireless printer, send images to a digital photo frame, send files from your phone to your computer, or play music on your TV on your Portable or Smartphone player. Oh, and about passwords: you can forget them. Just like with modern routers: just enter the screen number or press a button and the connection is complete.
The phone will now automatically detect nearby phones and connect if you want to. On the other phone, you will receive a confirmation message, you accept this connection. Or where you just meet friends. In shops, bars and cafes, in a restaurant, you can quickly and easily check your emails, or you can search for everything you need online.
In the absence of a chip, since you will not be able to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on a laptop, you can use alternative data transfer options. To do this, you need an access point to which the devices participating in the exchange of information will be connected.
If you don't have an access point at hand, then you can distribute the network from your laptop to Android by establishing a direct connection.
You will also need to install a program that will share the necessary data. For example, you can use the following programs to exchange files between your computer and smartphone:
- FTP server.
- Airdroid.
- MyPhoneExplorer.
The first application only needs to be installed on a smartphone. The program will generate an IP address that you need to register on your computer in a browser or file explorer. The rest of the applications need to be installed on the phone and computer, and only then connect the devices. It is a great alternative to Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to freely share files at high speeds.
How to connect and transfer files
So, you already know what Direct Wi-Fi is. Now let's move on directly to using this function. If your smartphones or tablets are equipped with the required chip, then we turn to the question of how to use the Wi-FiDirect technology.
In fact, everything is very simple. Enter the Wi-Fi settings on your device.
Turn on the wireless adapter.
Now press the "Wi-Fi Direct" button.
The same procedure should be done on the second device. Thus, we have included the function we need. The search starts automatically. Now all that remains is to select the equipment to be connected from the list of available connections.
As you can see, everything is very easy and simple. It should be noted, however, that this technology has two convenient functions:
- Device Discovery.
- Service Discovery.
Simply put, gadgets can not only be combined into one network without the participation of intermediaries (routers, access points, and so on), but also determine the capabilities of each device in the network. For example, if you need to send a video, then the list of available connections will display only those devices that can receive and play it.
Considering all of the above, we can conclude that support for Wi-Fi Direct is the presence in the device (laptop, smartphone, etc.) of a corresponding chip that allows you to create networks without a router and exchange data directly.
What is Wi-Fi Direct: Video
Connecting modern devices, be it a laptop, smartphone or smart TV, is technically not a problem today. Another thing is that if every TV or modern laptop has an HDMI connector, then in smartphones, ultrabooks and similar equipment, the constructive placement of this port is not always justified. This means that it is not always possible to effectively use a wired connection familiar to the user. Yes, and the wired connection, although it works great, still causes some inconvenience due to the length of the cable, the inability to send a file to a new device without having to physically plug the cable into the port.
The exchange of information between devices in this version is possible only through a cord. And when there are a lot of them, this is not only inconvenient, but also leads to a breakdown of the port over time due to constant cable reconnections in order to transfer the file. Therefore, a universal technology of Wi-Fi Direct wireless communication was developed, which allows establishing a full-fledged network connection between devices. It is also very convenient to include them in a common network due to the provision of the maximum data exchange rate.
The ability to include any equipment in the home network
Wi-Fi Direct allows wireless connection between any devices that support this technology. Samsung smartphones can be easily connected to a modern LG smart TV to configure it to display information stored in a mobile device.
But, the ability to use the TV as an additional display is not the only function of this technology. Wi-Fi Direct is the ability to connect gadgets such as cameras, printers to the receiving device to print the desired file without using wires. Gaming and any certified mobile devices that have an antenna for Wi-Fi connection have the same capabilities. Today, this sign can be found on household appliances made by Samsung, Sony, LG and other well-known companies.
Wireless antenna - the norm for modern technology
This wireless technology offers to configure any modern LG or Samsung TV to receive and display information on the screen without using a cord. At the same time, in order to connect the devices to the network via a wireless connection, you need to make a couple of clicks, and then it works without failures.
Wi-Fi Direct creates a separate channel between devices that operates separately from the standard office wireless network. In addition, in order to connect the devices to this network, it is enough that the Wi-Fi Direct connection is supported only on an LG TV or, for example, a Samsung smartphone. The rest of the equipment is connected to them using standard modules, where there is a wireless antenna that works on standard protocols.
The ability to watch a video file format in HD quality on anything
You can take advantage of Wi-Fi Direct wireless connectivity to work with any type of application. Transferring any necessary file, synchronizing data, using a TV as a second monitor, connecting a media player, turning on the display of a network resource on a large screen - all this allows the considered option of wireless communication. Devices that support this protocol allow you to create a separate working group and enjoy the benefits that come from this.
An antenna for wireless communication today is implemented in hardware in almost every modern media device. And after Samsung and LG have launched more than one smart TV that has an antenna for wireless communication, connecting it to the latest Samsung smartphone or LG laptop is easy and very convenient. Now any video file in HD, 3D and others format can be studied not through a small display of a mobile device, but on a high-quality large screen of a modern smart TV.
Every year there are more and more new technologies that are designed to improve and make our life 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 the reliability of the network 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 it? This is a new information transfer standard that allows several gadgets to communicate with 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 are capable of automatically detecting each other. So far, this is not even a standard, but a certification. Currently, two devices can connect wirelessly only with the involvement of a router as an intermediate link. However, a router is no longer required when using 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, digital photo frames, scanners, printers, VCRs, etc. can be connected to the network, and here the main condition is the presence of an appropriate chip.
As it was before?
Home networks have already experienced the introduction of similar services and protocols several times. Among the existing ones, WiFi Direct is considered the most promising development, which has only one obstacle to development - consumer reaction.
Some 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, it 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 rate, an increased distance, as well as a reliable channel security. However, there are drawbacks that are quite significant.
Characteristics
WiFi Direct chips are worth considering. How to use this technology will become clear later. Elements can be of one of two types: for the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz range and simultaneously supporting both of these values.
The technology has a couple of useful features: Device Discovery and Service Discovery. With their help, gadgets not only find each other and integrate into a network without any human participation, 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 to somewhere, then in the list of receiving devices there will be only those that are able to accept and use this type of data, and all the others will simply be excluded from it. This allows the user not to scroll through the entire list in search of a suitable gadget, but only to select the desired one from those displayed.
Difference from other types
A typical WiFi network assumes the primacy of the access point, which controls all other devices. The WiDi network also has a coordinator, but this function is transferred from one device to another, depending on the power, autonomy, and functionality. So, the list of preferences looks like this: laptops, tablets, smartphones, consoles, followed by peripherals such as printers, audio systems, digital cameras and others.
disadvantages
So, now you understand what WiFi Direct is; how to use it is also no longer a question. It is worth dealing with its shortcomings. They are the ones who question the development of technology and its popularity.
Main disadvantages
- Cluttering the air. When the wireless network is organized in the usual way, all devices are connected to one access point. In this sense, we can talk about the big difference between WiFi Direct. How to set up such a network? Pretty 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 tens or hundreds of networks will operate in a multi-storey 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 a real clutter of the air.
- Poor network security. Despite the fact that manufacturers of WiFi Direct Android devices talk about better security of such networks in comparison with Bluetooth, in reality everything is different. While such a gadget is used exclusively in the home network, we can talk about its security, but if you come with it to the company's office, where it will find other devices and connect to them, a problem already arises. WiFi Direct for Windows can be used as a proxy to retrieve data from any device on the network, and even corporate information. It will be difficult for any specialist to control all the networks created by such a device, which will gradually lead to the prohibition of 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 transmit large amounts of data over long distances and at high speeds. However, modern gadgets drain so quickly that such an additional load may well become a burden.
- Increased range of this technology is not always an advantage. Your network can be hacked from a long distance, it can be wedged into and used against you.
- The use of WiFi Direct requires the use of a special chipas simple WiFi is not suitable for this purpose. At the moment, there are gadgets that are equipped with both chips, but there are not very many of them.
conclusions
The main disadvantage of implementing this technology is that its support is provided by a separate chip, which differs from traditional WiFi. And since at the moment not so many manufacturers include such modules in their devices, users will not want to purchase new gadgets to use this technology.
