Every year there are more and more new technologies that are designed to improve and facilitate our lives. One of them is WiFi Direct. What is it will become clear if we consider in more detail 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 at a fairly large distance - up to 200 meters. And network reliability is provided by a higher degree of channel protection. To build a network on this basis, the router simply does not need to.
Key Features
It is worth considering WiFi Direct in more detail. What is it? This is a new standard for the transfer of information 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 are able to automatically detect each other. So far, this is not even a standard, but certification. Currently, the two devices can connect via wireless only with the involvement of an router as an intermediate link. However, the router is no longer required if you use WiFi Direct. What this is, and how such a method works, is considered here.
This method allows you to connect multiple gadgets simultaneously. In addition to devices such as standard laptops, smartphones and telephones, you can connect digital photo frames, scanners, printers, VCRs, etc. to the network, and here the main condition is the presence of an appropriate chip.
As it was before?
Home networks have been subjected to the introduction of similar services and protocols several times. Among the currently existing WiFi Direct is considered the most promising development, which has only one obstacle to development - the reaction of consumers.
Some people have the opinion that this standard will soon completely supersede 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, increased distance, as well as reliable channel security. However, there are drawbacks that are quite significant.
Characteristics
Worth considering WiFi Direct chips. How to use this technology will become clear after. Elements can be one of two types: for the 2.4 gigahertz range, 5 gigahertz 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 join a network without any human involvement, 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 in the list of receiving devices there will be only those that are able to receive and use this type of data, and all the rest 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 one that is displayed.
Unlike other types
A regular WiFi network assumes the primacy of an access point that controls all other devices. The WiDi network also has a coordinator, but this function is transferred 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 are peripheral devices, for example, 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 sorting out its shortcomings. It is they who cast doubt on the development of technology and its popularity.
Main disadvantages
- Cluttering the ether. 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, transmitting data. This leads to the fact that, for example, several dozen or hundreds of networks will work in a multi-storey building, creating a real mess on the air, as they all broadcast with different capacities and frequencies. Such networks cannot be controlled, which is why they create a real clutter of ether.
- Poor network security. While manufacturers of WiFi Direct Android devices are talking about better security of such networks compared to Bluetooth, in fact, everything is different. While such a gadget is used exclusively in the home network, you can talk about its security, but if you come with him to the company office, where he will find other devices and connect to them, a problem already arises. The WiFi Direct network for Windows can be used as a proxy, through which data from any of the devices on the network, and even corporate information, will be received. 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 can remain popular only for home use, or disappear altogether.
- High energy intensity. On the one hand, it can be used to transfer large amounts of data over considerable distances and at high speeds. However, modern gadgets are so quickly discharged that such an additional load may well become a burden.
- The increased range of such technology is not always an advantage. Your network can be hacked from a long distance, it can be wedged into and used against you.
- Using WiFi Direct involves 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 they are not very many.
findings
The main disadvantage of introducing such a technology is that its support is provided by a separate chip, which differs from traditional WiFi. And since at the moment not many manufacturers include such modules in their devices, users will not want to buy new gadgets to use this technology.