Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct is an upcoming certification program from the Wi-Fi Alliance that defines a new way for Wi-Fi devices to connect to each other. Wi-Fi devices will be able to make direct connection groups quickly and conveniently to do things like print, sync, and share content - even when an access point or router is unavailable. Connections based on the specification will work at typical Wi-Fi speeds and range, protected by WPA2™-certified security protocols and including WMM® Quality of Service mechanisms. Only Wi-Fi Alliance member companies will be able to use the Wi-Fi Direct mark to indicate that their products implement this specification.
FAQ
Featured Material
No. The specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct certification program was developed within the Wi-Fi Alliance by member companies. It operates on 802.11 devices but is not linked to any specific IEEE 802.11 amendment.
We expect Wi-Fi Alliance member companies to begin designing and testing products implementing the standard underlying Wi-Fi Direct in mid-2010, and to begin certifying products in late 2010.
Yes. A Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct device will be able to make device group connections with existing 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED gear.
The Wi-Fi Direct certification program does not require new hardware to operate, so some vendors may offer software upgrades. However, it’s important to note that interoperability between devices certified under the Wi-Fi Direct program and legacy devices is a key element of the underlying specification, so even non-upgraded devices can join a network certified as Wi-Fi Direct.
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct supports typical Wi-Fi speeds, which can be as high as 250 Mbps. Even at lower speeds, Wi-Fi provides plenty of throughput for transferring multimedia content with ease. The performance of a particular group of Wi-Fi Direct devices depends on whether the devices are 802.11a, g, or n, as well as the particular characteristics of the devices and the physical environment.
A Wi-Fi Direct-certified network can be one-to-one, or one-to-many. The number of devices in a Wi-Fi Direct-certified group network is expected to be smaller than the number supported by traditional standalone access points intended for consumer use. Connection to multiple other devices is an optional feature that will not be supported in all Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices; some devices will only make 1:1 connections.
All devices certified under the Wi-Fi Direct program will allow the user to connect to an infrastructure or a Wi-Fi Direct-certified network. Some devices certified under the Wi-Fi Direct program will support connections to both an infrastructure network and Wi-Fi Direct-certified group at the same time (e.g. a laptop may support an infrastructure connection while also belonging to a Wi-Fi Direct-certified group). Simultaneous connection to a Wi-Fi Direct-certified group and an infrastructure network is an optional feature.
Yes. A single device in a Wi-Fi Direct-certified group network may share internet connectivity with other devices in the network by creating simultaneous infrastructure and Wi-Fi Direct connections. A network of devices certified under the Wi-Fi Direct program operates in a security domain separate from the infrastructure network, even when cross-connected.
No. Wi-Fi Direct isn’t designed to be a replacement for a typical stationary access point. For most users and most scenarios a fixed AP will generally be desired in the home. Wi-Fi Direct offers the subset of typical AP functionality that is most useful for the types of on-the-go activities that Wi-Fi Direct is designed to support. APs offer multiple Ethernet ports, HW firewalls, advanced network management features, etc.
Yes, the specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct certification program supports operation in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Devices operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band only and devices operating in both the 2.4GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands can be certified under the Wi-Fi Direct program. Not all Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices will support both frequency bands, however, so you should check which bands your devices support.
The underlying specification connects devices using an approach similar to the traditional AP-to-client connection used in Wi-Fi CERTIFIED infrastructure networks. One Wi-Fi Direct-certified device will provide the connection to other participants in a group of Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices in lieu of an AP. A device certified under the Wi-Fi Direct program does not require special hardware compared to traditional Wi-Fi AP devices.
Devices will conduct a negotiation to determine which device is most appropriate. This may be determined by considering a number of factors including but not limited to power management, number of connections supported, richness of user interface and services being offered. The Wi-Fi Direct-certified device that offers the connection manages the creation, admission to, presence and termination of that network implementing the specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct program.
All Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices can start a group, based on the specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct program, but it’s most likely that devices with more computing power (laptops, handsets, gaming devices) will more frequently manage the network than those with less power (digital cameras, printers, etc.).
Group networks based on the specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct program operate in a security domain that is independent from any infrastructure network. This means that they have protection of the security features certified under the WPA2 program, but are managed separately from the security system in the AP-based network (home, enterprise, hotspot). This means both the group networks based on the specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct program and the infrastructure networks can be protected, but users don’t need credentials for the infrastructure network to connect to the network based on the specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct program.
Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices will be identifiable as Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices to infrastructure access points. APs can prevent devices currently using Wi-Fi Direct from connecting to the AP, or disconnect them if already connected, while Wi-Fi Direct is in use and/or configure their parameters including channel. The technology behind the Wi-Fi Direct certification program will be important for enterprise environments, enabling applications such as file transfer, printing, and display in the absence of a suitable WLAN. We also expect that the specification will be used in enterprises to temporarily connect mobile data terminals and other portable devices for short-term tasks such as data transfer.
No, this is not Ad-Hoc mode (also known as IBSS) but an extension to the ubiquitous infrastructure mode of operation that can operate without a dedicated access point. Ad Hoc, or IBSS, mode is a legacy protocol for Wi-Fi devices, and Wi-Fi Direct is a new innovation. With the technology underlying Wi-Fi Direct, a device can maintain a simultaneous connection to an infrastructure network – this isn’t possible with Ad Hoc.
Most Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices will be power-sensitive, and in many cases, battery-powered. Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices can support the Power Save feature certified under the WMM program, and the specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct program also defines new power saving mechanisms.
Like all Wi-Fi technologies, the specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct program creates IP-based networks between the devices, allowing existing service discovery methods to work just as they do over a wireless LAN today - including Bonjour and UPnP. The specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct program defines a new pre-association discovery method, giving Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices the ability to discover devices and limited information about device services prior to association (and before having an IP address). Pre-association discovery improves the user experience - users will know whether a desired service (e.g. printing) will be available on the network implementing the specification underlying the Wi-Fi Direct program before connecting.
We don’t always have access to a Wi-Fi access point/hotspot, or don’t want to join one. But more and more, we carry content and applications with us that we want to share, print, display, or synch. A quick, convenient Wi-Fi Direct link makes it easy to do all of these things and more.
Yes. A legacy Wi-Fi CERTIFIED station device can connect with a Wi-Fi Direct device.
Wi-Fi Direct products can work on 802.11 a, g and n Wi-Fi standards. Users can match Wi-Fi Direct products just like any other Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products. All Wi-Fi Direct devices operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and can connect to 802.11g and some 802.11n devices. In addition, some Wi-Fi Direct devices work in the 5 GHz frequency band to connect to 802.11a and some 802.11n. Many devices operate in both frequency bands.
Yes. Wi-Fi Direct devices will include Wi-Fi Protected Setup, which makes it very easy to set up a connection and enable security protections. In many cases, this will be as simple as pushing a button on each device.
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct devices work just like any Wi-Fi device, with ranges up to 200 meters. They can connect from just a few feet away, but also across a home. This means that making a Wi-Fi Direct group connection will be convenient, even when devices aren’t in immediate proximity to one another.
Not without your permission. The content available over a Wi-Fi Direct group connection is driven by the applications you are using. While there may be applications which allow an authorized use to “browse” the content on your device, most applications will have a specific focus (e.g., sharing a game application or transferring photos).
We expect that enterprises will discover the utility of Wi-Fi Direct over time and will leverage its features in appropriate circumstances, given their utility, security protections, and manageability. A good example of an enterprise use case is sharing access to a projector or printer without use of cables or network access.
Several Wi-Fi Alliance members that make devices of limited processing capabilities contributed to the specification development process to ensure that it is applicable to such devices.
Look for the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED designation with the words Wi-Fi Direct included. A current list of all Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products is always available at www.wi-fi.org.
Passpoint is an interoperability test program that verifies that Wi-Fi infrastructure equipment and mobile devices from different manufacturers will work well together for a specific feature set. Equipment that passes the testing is designated “Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint.”
Passpoint is the brand for the certification program operated by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Devices that pass this certification testing can be referred to as “Passpoint devices”. Passpoint certification is based on The Wi-Fi Alliance Hotspot 2.0 Specification. This is the underlying technological specification developed by Wi-Fi Alliance members, and is copyrighted and owned by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Passpoint testing will be available beginning 26 June 2012. Support for additional features is planned for 2H 2013.
Infrastructure equipment (e.g. access points) as well as mobile end points (e.g. smartphones, tablets, notebooks) can be certified.
Passpoint certification testing ensures that devices perform network discovery, selection and provisioning of services the same way. Passpoint devices are also tested for implementation of WPA2-Enterprise security.
Passpoint testing requires that the devices are also certified for operation on 802.11 a/b/g and/or n. When Wi-Fi Alliance testing for emerging standards like 802.11ac are available, Passpoint devices will be able to support those standards as well.
Passpoint will help service providers provide the seamless user experience that users want, support goals for data offload from cellular networks and maximize the value of the investments being made in Wi-Fi hotspots.
The scope of Passpoint testing is to ensure that the mechanisms for seamless discovery and creation of a secured link are implemented correctly. It is application-agnostic.
The legacy mobile device can associate with a Passpoint certified access point that is configured for open system authentication.
The hardware and software platform of a given device determines whether it can be upgraded in the field. Equipment that has previously undergone certification testing can be updated and resubmitted for Passpoint certification.
Equipment manufacturers will submit equipment for certification testing.
Certified infrastructure devices will be deployed by Wi-Fi service providers to create user-friendly hotspots.
Users with certified mobile equipment can enjoy the benefits of streamlined connectivity and secured connection at hotspots with Passpoint equipment.
For most users, Passpoint means that there will be no need for manual intervention when entering a hotspot running on Passpoint equipment with a Passpoint mobile device. Automatic detection and secured connection will occur provided the user is a subscriber of the entity running the hotspot or is a subscriber of an entity that has a roaming relationship with the entity running the hotspot.
Members of the Wi-Fi Alliance created the program. The group which developed Passpoint includes service providers, mobile operators, fixed line operators, and makers of mobile devices and infrastructure equipment.
Passpoint makes use of elements of IEEE 802.11u during discovery. The specification underlying Passpoint also leverages WPA2™-Enterprise security and new technology defined in the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Passpoint devices use industry-agreed uniform mechanisms for discovering and creating secured connections to hotspots. This allows a subscriber to experience seamless Wi-Fi connectivity to a hotspot anywhere in the world his provider covers through roaming agreements.
The term “Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint™” designates products that have been certified. The underlying specification or technology is called “Wi-Fi Alliance Hotspot 2.0 Specification”. Only products which have completed and passed Wi-Fi certification to the Hotspot 2.0 test plan may use the Passpoint name. Never use Hotspot 2.0, HS2.0, or other variants. On second instance, you may refer to “Passpoint “products (dropping the term Wi-Fi CERTIFIED). There is no special logo or visual indicator for Passpoint.
Resources including a listing of certified devices, white paper and the program specification are available at http://www.wi-fi.org/passpoint.