The Wi-Fi Alliance formally announced a new Wi-Fi protocol called “Wi-Fi Direct.” This new protocol will allow devices to communicate directly with each other without the need for a dedicated Access Point.

Typically, Wi-Fi works in what is known as Infrastructure mode, where each device communicates through an access point to other devices. Bluetooth technology eliminates the need for this intermediary device and allows devices to communicate directly with each other.

Bluetooth may have one advantage in that it has very low power requirements, but the speed and range of Wi-Fi Direct will make for some interesting applications. I’m looking forward to using wireless stereo headphones all the way out into the garage.

• Wi-Fi Basics
• Bluetooth Basics
• Further Wi-Fi Direct discussions

/Steve