Using Wi-Fi Direct on Android

Users often wonder how to properly use Wi-Fi Direct on Android devices. The discussion of this topic is often found on many forums. The reason for this is that constant innovations are taking place in the world of IT technologies, making people's lives much easier. One of these innovations is Wi-Fi Direct. Not many people know about this newly introduced feature, how to use it correctly and what features it has.

What is Wi-Fi Direct?

This is one of the types of Internet communication that makes it possible to share data between devices equipped with this new technology. It should be noted that information is exchanged not only through a common access point, and therefore there is no need to search for it. In other words, you can combine different devices directly, that is, the ability to connect multiple Android smartphones using a Wi-Fi network, provided that they support this feature. Using it should not require complicated operations from you, as the devices find contact automatically. The connection can be made not only with smartphones, but you can also share information with other portable gadgets such as laptops and tablets.

After making sure that your device is equipped with Wi-Fi Direct, you can move on to the most interesting question – how is it possible to work with this function?

How Wi-Fi Direct works

The limit of information transfer speed with the support of this network can reach about 300-350 Mbps. If we talk about long-range operation, then you can encounter devices operating at a distance of two hundred meters in direct line of sight and eighty meters inside enclosed spaces. Many people are concerned about the security of the data transmission channel, which shows fairly good results on this network.

For Wi-Fi Direct to work, the device must have a special chip, which comes in several types, depending on the transmission frequency.:

1. 2.4GHz chips.
2. 5 GHz chips.
3. Chips that transmit at two frequencies.

Wi-Fi Direct has several necessary functions, such as the Devise Discovery Service. With their help, gadgets have the ability to recognize each other and create a single Wi-Fi space, which happens automatically without user assistance. There is an option to display the full characteristics with system data. For example, if you want to transfer an application to another gadget, only those that support this type of file will remain in the registry of synchronized devices. This is very similar to the Bluetooth network that has become fashionable, but Wi-Fi Direct cannot compete with it yet due to some significant disadvantages, which include poor channel security.

According to the developers, this type of communication shows a decent level of protection, although in fact everything is not so good. In domestic use, there is no danger to your data. However, when working, for example, in a shopping mall, where there may be a dozen more devices, each of them has the ability to connect to your network. Wi-Fi Direct for Windows OS has the ability to act as a proxy server, thereby reading all data about each device on the network.

Setting up Wi-Fi Direct

Let's consider the functioning of Wi-Fi Direct using the example of a Samsung Galaxy S2 phone.

In order to be able to use Wi-Fi Direct, you need to go to the Wireless Network Setup wizard and enable the Wi-Fi module.

By turning on Wi-Fi, you can see the "Wi-Fi Direct" key at the very bottom of the screen. Click on it.

You will be moved to the device search menu. In order for your device to find them, don't forget to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on all other mobile devices.

After completing the search, you need to click on your chosen device and confirm their connection. After that, the gadgets will be connected to a single network, and then without much effort you will be able to move information, transfer melodies and images to other devices.

Transfer information from Android tablet computers using Wi-Fi Direct

First, activate the option on the devices you are using and synchronize them according to the instructions above.

Next, open any file manager and select the file you want to transfer.

Click and do not release the file until the menu appears. In it, select "Send with" and in our case tap on Wi-Fi Direct.

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi Direct

Like everything else in this world, this type of wireless connection has its drawbacks.:

Pollution of the common ether. The problem is that when forming a familiar network, all gadgets are connected to a single access point. However, in Wi-Fi Direct, many separate connections are formed. Not only users of mobile gadgets have the ability to connect, but also various other equipment, such as a set-top box, printer, and TV.

Eventually, there may be several dozen different networks in one place, which leads to chaos in the network and the inability to control it, which affects the speed of its operation.

When used in crowded places, a poor level of protection is possible.

Despite all the benefits and convenience of this feature, its use seriously increases power consumption, thereby reducing the battery life of the device. This is a serious disadvantage compared to Bluetooth, which consumes much less resources.

The range is too long. At first glance, this can be attributed to the advantages, but do not forget about those who want to get your data. It also seriously pollutes the airwaves, as several devices can operate on the same frequency at once.

Of course, you should not forget that a specialized chip is needed for this system to work. Undoubtedly, all modern smartphones are available with built-in Wi-Fi, but there are still devices that are not equipped with this technology.