Wi-Fi Direct Legacy

FDM Tools has adopted the widely used Microsoft Windows 10 WLAN Driver Interface (WDI) model currently used with Wi-Fi Direct. FDM Tools supports a subset of Wi-Fi Direct functionality, referred to as “Wi-Fi Direct Legacy mode.” This allows Wi-Fi enabled devices to create their own Wi-Fi networks without an internet connection.

Wi-Fi enabled OpenWay Riva devices use passive scan mode to listen for beacons that indicate that they should join the hosted Access Point (AP). When the host and client connect, they form a Wi-Fi Direct Group utilizing the latest in Wi-Fi security and encryption.

The WiFiDirectLegacySettings class also allows devices that do not support Wi-Fi Direct to
connect to a device that does support it and to use the services offered by the Wi-Fi Direct device.

Note: FDM Tools still supports the previous Wi-Fi methodology, Native Wi-Fi, allowing utilities the flexibility to transition to the new model on their own time line.

Terminology

Native Wi-Fi: the previous method for starting a hosted Wi-Fi AP

Wi-Fi Direct Legacy: the new method for starting a hosted Wi-Fi AP

Hosted Wi-Fi: general term for either technology

Key Points

  • All communication between a client (meter or communications device) and host (FDM Tools) follow the protocols in the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n standards.
  • Security implemented for Wi-Fi use continues to be used.
  • Meters and comms devices remain in passive scan mode, listening for a beacon from FDM Tools.
  • Channel management techniques allow the least noisy social channel to be selected during group formation. Social channels used within the 2.4 GHz range are 1, 6, and 11.
  • The use of Wi-Fi Direct does not require FDM Tools users to have administrative rights or privileges.

FDM Tools always acts as a Wi-Fi Direct Host, ensuring that endpoints and comms devices successfully establish two-way communication. All existing communication and meter action functionality are maintained. When the group is established, it is the responsibility of FDM to terminate the session.