The future of Wi-Fi without networks

Wi-Fi devices, from laptops to phones and projectors, will soon be able to connect to one another without networks.

The technology known as Wi-Fi Direct is a set of software protocols that allow files and information on mobile devices to be sent, shared, printed and displayed without requiring access to a WLAN or Bluetooth.

The Wi-Fi Alliance is responsible for developing Wi-Fi standards and includes members such as Microsoft, Apple and Sony.

Recently, it revealed that work on a new Wi-Fi Direct specification was nearing completion.

Potential uses for the new technology are likely to include cableless connections between Wi-Fi laptops and projectors during business presentations, print outs of documents held on mobile devices and video streaming from PCs direct to TVs - all without the need to send information via a network router.

Wi-Fi Direct versus Ad Hoc Mode?

You may be wondering if Wi-Fi Direct is really a new concept – after all, surely we’re able to connect Wi-Fi devices in ad hoc mode right now to create client-to-client connections?

While ad hoc connections can currently be created, there’s the hassle of manual configuration together with potential security weaknesses.

In contrast, Wi-Fi Direct offers WPA2 security, a form of encryption based on the IEEE 802.11i standard providing what the Wi-Fi Alliance describe as “government grade security” that makes use of a AES encryption algorithm.

Other limitations of ad hoc connections include performance issues, as the number of devices connected is increased. Wi-Fi Direct is likely to offer higher data rates along with power management protocols and Quality of Service managers that enable Wi-Fi access points to prioritise traffic and optimise the way in which resources are allocated among different applications.

How does Wi-Fi Direct work?

Once empowered with the necessary software protocols, a Wi-Fi Direct device can connect with all sorts of legacy wireless devices - including Wi-Fi certified 802.11 a/g/n gear - currently used in a wide range of devices from notebooks, printers and digital cameras to mobile phones.

Essentially this means only one of the Wi-Fi products needs to contain Wi-Fi Direct software in order for a two-way connection to operate. These connections are detected and setup automatically and can be one to many.

Wi-Fi Direct networks will also be able to cross connect to an infrastructure network to connect with the internet. Besides manufacturers producing devices from phones to laptops with Wi-Fi Direct already built into them, it may also be possible for some businesses to upgrade older wireless devices through a Wi-Fi software download providing the necessary protocols.

Wi-Fi Direct performance will depend on the device, with ‘N’ certified devices enjoying data rates of up to 250 MB per second while ‘A’ and ‘G’ devices’ data rates are predicted to be around 54 MB per second with a range of about 100 metres.

No hotspots required

With Wi-Fi Direct devices capable of acting like access points or hotspots, businesses may save money by needing a lower number of routers.

As such, Wi-Fi Alliance executive director Edgar Figueroa said: “Wi-Fi Direct represents a leap forward for our industry. Wi-Fi users worldwide will benefit from a single-technology solution to transfer content and share applications quickly and easily among devices, even when a Wi-Fi access point isn't available.”

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