What is Wfd Service on Xiaomi Smartphones?
Wfd stands for Wi-Fi Direct Services, a feature in Xiaomi Smartphones. This feature allows Xiaomi Smartphones to connect to other Wi-FiDirect enabled devices and smart devices wirelessly.
Xiaomi is China’s largest smartphone company ranked 4th in the world for manufacturing the largest amount of smartphones. Its smartphones are especially popular for their impressive specs and “near to cost” prices. One of these impressive specs found in Xiaomi is Wi-Fi Direct Service (Wfd).
Table of Contents
What Is Wi-Fi Direct Service?
Image Source: Internet Access Guide
Wi-Fi Direct service is a feature that allows communication between Wi-Fi devices without the need of an Access Point (AP) and can operate at a speed as high as 250Mbps. This type of communication is called Wi-Fi P2P (peer-to-peer) and allows communication with one or more devices simultaneously without the need for a hotspot or network. The feature works in two steps, Device and service discovery.
The first step, Device discovery, involves a device broadcasting a probe request for MAC addresses of any available device nearby (scanning phase). Devices that receive the probe respond by sending a unicast message to the sender (find phase).
The next step is Service discovery, where the sender device, sends a unicast service request to the receiving devices, who in turn, respond with a unicast message containing service details. The devices then connect to form a P2P group that functions in the same way a Wireless network would (formation and operational phase).
The device in the group exhibiting Access Point-like function becomes the P2P group owner (P2P GO), while the rest of the devices become P2P clients. P2P GO is the only device allowed to connect the group to an external network.
Use of Wi-Fi Direct Service in Smart Phones.
Image Source: Big Fish Technology
The Wi-Fi Direct Service is used in smartphones to allow phones to quickly find, wirelessly connect, and interact with nearby devices at a larger range than Bluetooth would allow. Through the devices and service discovery, devices can easily broadcast services they provide helping them discover suitable peers faster. With Wi-Fi direct, smartphones can connect with compatible devices and transfer files (with the help of third-party applications like “Send Anywhere”), and share their internet connection.
Pros
- It helps transfer heavy files at a faster rate.
- Files can be transferred at a wider ranger than Bluetooth.
- Does not require a router or internet connection.
- Easy and convenient to use, by notifying the user when there are available compatible devices.
- Only one of the devices needs to be Wi-Fi direct certified to form a connection.
Cons
- Still, a relatively new technology hence has many bugs to fix.
- Not all phone brands and vendors support the technology yet.
- The connection has to be re-established every time P2P GO leaves a P2P group.
How to Enable and Disable Wi-Fi Direct Service on Xiaomi Smartphones?
By enabling Wi-Fi direct on your Xiaomi smartphone, you can enjoy the benefits of sending direct content to devices such as your smart TV for direct playback, without an internet connection. You also have the option of disabling the feature if you no longer wish to use it. The process is easy and involves very simple steps:
Enabling Wi-Fi Direct Service |
· Open Settings on your smartphone
· Tap on Wi-Fi · Select Additional settings · Tap on Wi-Fi Direct · It will show you available devices · Select one available device and send an Invitation · Once the device accepts the invitation, the two are connected and your Wi-Fi Direct is enabled. · You can connect with multiple available devices. |
Disabling Wi-Fi Direct Service |
· Open Settings
· Tap on Wi-Fi · Select Additional settings · Tap on Wi-Fi direct · It will show a list of all the connected devices · Tap on a connected device · Disconnect by tapping OK to confirm · Once you have disconnected all the devices on the list, Wi-Fi Direct will be disabled. |
Conclusion
Wi-Fi Direct is a more convenient and faster way for your smartphone to share heavy files over a range larger than Bluetooth would have allowed. The best part is you do not need an internet connection to do since your Xiaomi smartphone is Wi-Fi Direct certified. Your smartphone can even act as an access point, sharing its internet connection with other devices and forming a network of its own. Even though the technology is still developing and improving, Wi-Fi direct seems to be the next generation of wireless connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use Wi-Fi Direct to connect to the internet?
Yes, you can. First, install a simple third-party android application which would then use VPN to direct traffic to your device from a connected device that has internet. Suggested third party applications include NetShare or Tethernet.
2. What is the difference between Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct?
Compared to Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct is a longer range form of Bluetooth with a higher speed. While Wi-Fi needs an Access Point to connect devices, Wi-Fi Direct can connect devices wirelessly without the need for an access point; as long as one of the devices is Wi-Fi Direct certified.
