HP wireless direct and Wi-Fi Direct are features provided by HP for connecting your hand-held devices with your printers without the help of a wireless router or access point. This is connected in the same way your Wi-Fi device is connected to a new wireless network or hotspot.
From the device perspective, this connection serves as a normal wireless connection, in which HP Printer has been already connected. You are required to install a print application for hand held devices or a printer software for a computer. Only then you will be able to use the printer over HP Wireless Direct or Wi-Fi Direct Connection.
Difference between Wireless Direct and Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct
- WPA2 is required for security
- Maximum 5 devices can be connected simultaneaously
- The name will be DIRECT-xx-HP-<printer model>
- Wi-Fi Direct capable device can automatically detect and connect to the printer.
- Wi-Fi Direct capable device can connect to printer and maintain an internet connection
- Devices cannot be connected to the internet through printer.
- Printer cannot connect to the internet through device.
HP Wireless Direct
- WPA2 is optional
- Maximum 5 devices can be connected simultaneaously
- HP-Print-xx-
- HP wilress direct cannot automatically detect and connect to the printer.
- HP Wireless Direct capable device can neither connect to printer nor maintain an internet connection
- Devices cannot be connected to the internet through printer.
- Printer cannot connect to the internet through device.