Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct definition
Wi-Fi Direct refers to a wireless technology that enables two devices to communicate with each other directly over Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi Direct does not require a wireless access point (router) or an internet connection. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, printers, cameras, and gaming consoles, enabling users to easily share data directly via a peer-to-peer connection.
See also: bluetooth, mesh node, mifi
Wi-Fi Direct alternatives
- Bluetooth. It’s a popular wireless technology that allows devices to communicate with each other over short distances. Compared to Wi-Fi Direct, bluetooth has less range and speed, but is more energy-efficient.
- NFC. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that allows devices to exchange data when they are in close proximity to each other (up to 10 centimeters). While Wi-Fi Direct is better suited for data sharing, NFC is utilized in contactless payments, identification, and access control. NFC is also considered more secure and offers better compatibility as Wi-Fi direct is mostly available in newer devices.
- Meshnet. NordVPN’s Meshnet is a free feature, allowing users to connect internal and external devices to a private network and connect to remote devices, share files, and reroute traffic. Meshnet offers unlimited range, but is slower than Wi-Fi Direct.
- AirDrop. AirDrop is an Apple-specific feature that allows users to transfer files between Apple devices. It combines Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to establish a direct connection between devices.