Wi-Fi Direct Issues and Challenges

Abstract

AbstractWi-Fi Direct is a promising technology for ad hoc connectivity that was standardized by the Wi-Fi Alliance in October 2010. Its purpose is to allow device-to-device (D2D) direct communication that does not require a central access point (AP). It outperforms other existing ad hoc technologies and shows a good performance in terms of connecting a small number of devices in a group. It does not, however, provide a solution for connecting different groups to each other which limits the network size and range. It also suffers from its full dependence on the group owner (GO) that acts as a soft AP to the group. If the GO disconnects, the whole group is destroyed. The objective of this study was to identify the main limitations and challenges of Wi-Fi Direct technology and analyze the existing solutions for these challenges. An in-depth analysis of the intergroup communication issue and its existing solutions was conducted. Group formation optimization techniques that could be applied were also investigated. Open research issues for the enhancement of Wi-Fi Direct technology were also addressed.KeywordsInfrastructureless ad hoc networksMobile networksWi-Fi DirectMultigroup communicationAndroid