Instead devices directly “pair” with each other via peer-to-peer networking. Both use wireless technologies and both don’t need a central hub to which devices must first connect to. So Bluetooth and WiFi Direct are actually similar in the way that they connect devices. WPS simplifies the process of connecting to a network without the hustle of typing complicated passwords (WPA/WPA2 encryption key). This is achieved without needing to enter WiFi passwords the conventional way using another protocol called Wi-Fi Protected Setup(WPS). So when you want to cast your Smartphone screen, it’ll automatically connect to TV without entering any extra passwords. You will see Roku TV for instance advertise their Access point with SSID of the form DIRECT-roku-XXX. This is all done automatically without the user’s intervention. Once one of the devices takes the role of an Access Point, then the other device can connect to it. Instead compatible devices negotiate among themselves which one should become an access point. WiFi Direct does not require devices to connect to a central Hub which acts as an Access point or a router. Related post: What is miracast: A complete beginner’s guideĪ guide to Screen Mirroring from Android to Samsung, LG, Sony and Roku TVs

Several smart TV vendors have different names for this feature Hisense calls it Anyview cast, Samsung terms it Allshare, Apple calls it Airplay and Google calls it Chromecast. Since WiFi is already fast, you can view your HD photos or stream FHD and 4K videos stored on your phone on the bigger TV. Screen mirroring or Miracast, a way of displaying your smartphone screen to a bigger display such as Computer monitor or Smart TV is yet another application that’s taking advantage of WiFi Direct protocol.

Related post: The updated guide to WiFi wireless network connectivity File sharing Apps such as Xender, Flashshare, Google Files app, Xioami file sharing app all take advantage of this standard to enable two phones to share and transfer files without using the internet. Because WiFi Direct makes it easy for two WiFi devices to connect to each other, it’s become one of the best ways of sharing large files such as music, videos, pdfs, app Apks between devices.

Wifi vs bluetooth speed