How to use Wi-Fi Direct on Android is a very common question. The fact is that new technologies are constantly appearing in the world to simplify people's lives. One of them is Wi-Fi Direct. Since this is a relatively new technology, few people know how to use it and what it is for.
What is Wi-Fi Direct
This is a new wireless communication standard that allows information to be transferred between multiple devices that support this technology. It should be noted that you do not need an access point (router) to connect and transfer data. In other words, you can connect two or more devices directly. For example, you can connect two phones Android via Wi-Fi if they support this technology.
It should be noted that this function is supported by almost every modern tablet and smartphone with OS Android. Of course, if we are talking about a budget gadget, then such functions may be absent.
And you don't need to configure anything.
Devices detect each other automatically. In addition to the gadgets we are used to, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets and so on, using Wi-Fi Direct, you can also connect printers, scanners, Smart TVs, digital photo frames, DVD players, etc.
The main thing is that the device is equipped with this function.
Now you know what Wi-Fi Direct is on the phone Android. Now you can move on to the question of how this standard works.
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How technology works
It should be noted right away that the data transfer rate with a direct connection can reach 200-250 Mbps. At the same time, the range with direct line of sight is 200 meters and about 50-100 meters in buildings. Also, the level of security of such a communication channel deserves special attention.
To work with this standard, the device must be equipped with an appropriate chip. They are of several types:
- Work in the 2.4 GHz band.
- In the 5 GHz band.
- Working in both bands.
Wi-Fi Direct on Android has some pretty useful features. For example, Device Discovery and Service Discovery. They allow smartphones and tablets (and other devices) to find each other and create a network among themselves. In this case, everything happens without your participation.
Moreover, these functions allow you to get information about the capabilities of each gadget on the network. For example, when you want to transfer a video from a tablet to another device, then the list of connected devices will display only those that can receive and play this file.
In fact, it can replace the rather old wireless standard Bluetooth. But today Wi-Fi Direct does not pose a threat to Bluetooth, as the technology is quite new and has certain disadvantages. One of them is the low level of protection. If you think Bluetooth is a more convenient way to transfer information, we have an article on how to transfer data via Bluetooth FTP to Android.
The developers argue that this standard creates a fairly secure communication channel. However, in fact, this is not the case. As long as we are talking about home use, there is no threat to personal data. But this is not the case if you use this feature in the office. This is where many users can join the network. Any Wi-Fi Direct for Windows can act as a proxy, and such a computer will receive all information about any device on the network.
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Setting up Wi-Fi Direct on devices Android
To set Wi-Fi Direct to Android enter the Wi-Fi wireless settings and enable the adapter.
Next, we will consider the steps on the example Android version 4.4 on the Samsung S4 smartphone. After enabling the Wi-Fi module at the bottom of the screen, you will see the 'Wi-Fi Direct' button. Click it.
You will automatically be taken to the page for finding devices that also support this function. It should be noted that on other gadgets it must also be enabled.
Once your smartphone finds the connection you want, just select it and confirm the connection. Further, the devices will be combined into one network (like Bluetooth). Now you can transfer files or stream sound and picture to other devices. You don't need to configure anything else.
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How to transfer files from tablet Android using Wi-Fi Direct
First, enable this function on the sending and receiving device and connect them as described above. Then open the file manager on the sending device and find the file you want.
Hold your finger on it until a menu appears. Select 'Send Via'. Then select the appropriate option (in our case, it's Wi-Fi Direct).
As you can see, everything is very simple and straightforward. Absolutely everyone can handle this. Moreover, as mentioned above, every modern tablet Android supports Wi-Fi Direct technology.
There is a Wi-Fi Direct application for Android – installing such a program will make using the new communication standard on your phone or tablet easier and more convenient.
In addition to simple data transmission, users can connect devices such as printers, televisions, audio systems, and so on via this standard. It is important that these devices are equipped with an appropriate chip.
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Disadvantages of Wi-Fi Direct
Like any other technology, this wireless standard has its drawbacks:
- Clogging of the ether. The fact is that when organizing a regular network, all gadgets are connected to one access point. But in the case of Wi-Fi Direct, many separate connections are created. Moreover, participants can be both people (users of tablets, smartphones, laptops, and so on) and gadgets – printers, scanners, TVs, etc. As a result, one multi-storey building can have several tens or even hundreds of networks. Because of this, a real mess is created on the air. At the same time, the networks cannot be controlled. This, in turn, is reflected in the data transfer rate.
- As mentioned above, the level of protection is weak when it comes to connections in office and public buildings.
- Energy intensity. On the one hand, this feature is very useful and allows you to transfer large files at high speeds. This significantly reduces the time spent on transferring information. But this speed requires significant energy consumption.
And given how much this will affect the autonomy of the gadget, it should be understood that you should not get carried away with this function. Smartphones and tablets run out pretty quickly anyway. It should be noted that Bluetooth consumes much less electricity.
- Large radius of action. It would seem that this is an advantage. On the one hand, it is. On the other hand, attackers can take advantage of this. In addition, given that in this way we litter the air, such a range becomes more negative than a positive quality.
- Last but not least, remember that this feature requires an appropriate chip. Of course, modern phones come with both adapters (Wi-Fi and Wi-Di). But there are still quite a few devices that do not support this technology.
So now you know how to connect Android to Android via Wi-Fi directly. Despite the existing shortcomings, this connection is still widespread. And although it will not supplant Bluetooth, its useful features make some tasks easier.
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