An FAQ on Wi-Fi Direct from WiFi Alliance

BANGALORE, INDIA: Late in October 2010, Wi-Fi Alliance launched a new peer-to-peer (P2P) connection technology, Wi-Fi Direct, touted to be a competitor to Bluetooth technology.

Wi-Fi Direct is a new method of directly connecting client devices (such as handsets and laptops) without a traditional network (that includes an access point or AP). However, the connection itself runs over traditional Wi-Fi technology.

Also Read: WiFi an alternate to clogged 3G networks

"We designed Wi-Fi Direct to unleash a wide variety of applications, which require device connections, but do not need the Internet or even a traditional network," said Edgar Figueroa, CEO, Wi-Fi Alliance, during the launch.

"Wi-Fi Direct empowers users to connect devices - when, where and how they want to, and our certification programme delivers products that work well together, regardless of the brand," he added.

CIOL got answered a few questions with regard to this new technology from WiFi Alliance. Read on:

CIOL: How many devices have been certified for Wi-Fi Direct so far? When will these products be available in the market?

WiFi Alliance: About 20 devices have been tested for Wi-Fi Certified Wi-Fi Direct. They are diverse — ranging from traditional networking cards to smartphones and consumer media equipment.

Certification of products generally happens as part of the run up to product launch. We expect that many Wi-Fi Direct devices will be showcased at the forthcoming Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

CIOL: How secure is Wi-Fi Direct network?

WiFi Alliance: All Wi-Fi Direct connections are secured with Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) — the current generation of Wi-Fi security. Establishing a security-protected connection is as simple as the push of a button — all Wi-Fi Direct devices implement our consumer-friendly technology called Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

CIOL: Do you think going forth Wi-Fi Direct can replace Bluetooth?

WiFi Alliance: In part, because Wi-Fi is already common in consumer and networking devices. Wi-Fi Direct is a compelling technology for simple, transactional tasks, such as synching files, sharing photos or printing a document.

Wi-Fi Direct devices can create direct connections with all of these legacy Wi-Fi devices today, and as Wi-Fi Direct becomes more broadly deployed, consumers will have access to an even richer experience. 

CIOL: How exactly will the system take care of the issue of how devices are authorized to connect to one another?

WiFi Alliance: Authorization to create a direct connection between devices must be explicit — the connection is proposed and must be accepted. Wi-Fi Direct does not permit open networks.

CIOL: Will it (Wi-Fi Direct devices) be compatible with other Wi-Fi (11a/b/g/n) devices?

WiFi Alliance: Wi-Fi Direct connections run over traditional Wi-Fi 802.11 a/g/n technology. For example, a smartphone that includes Wi-Fi Certified Wi-Fi Direct capabilities would support 802.11n and/or 802.11g also.