Wi-Fi spec supports peer-to-peer networking

An emerging Wi-Fi specification is promising to allow users to directly link devices.

Dubbed Wi-Fi Direct, the new specification allows systems to establish peer-to-peer connections and directly connect with other devices without the need for a Wi-Fi router.

According to industry group Wi-Fi Alliance, the new specification is likely to be formally certified by the middle of next year and will support connections between desktops, notebooks, printers, mobile phones and cameras as well as other common peripherals and devices.

The group envisions the new Wi-Fi standard being used not only for conventional networking applications, but also for connecting peripherals and input devices.

"Wi-Fi users worldwide will benefit from a single-technology solution to transfer content and share applications quickly and easily among devices, even when a Wi-Fi access point isn't available," said Edgar Figueroa, executive director for the Wi-Fi Alliance.

"The impact is that Wi-Fi will become even more pervasive and useful for consumers and across the enterprise."

The alliance said that it plans to publish a specification and allow member companies to begin certifying devices after the specification is certified in 2010.