Terminology » Other Wireless » WiDi vs. WiFi: Key Differences Explained

WiDi vs. WiFi: Key Differences Explained

WiDi (Wireless Display) and WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) both enable wireless communication using radio frequencies, but they serve different purposes. WiDi focuses on screen mirroring and content streaming from a device to a display, emphasizing multimedia sharing and presentations. WiFi, on the other hand, is a broader wireless networking technology, facilitating internet access, local network connectivity, and data exchange among various devices.

What is WiDi?

WiDi is a technology developed by Intel, built into many of their products such as laptops and tablets. It allows users to connect their PC or other computing devices to an HDTV wirelessly. With WiDi, users can stream audio, video, images, and applications from a device like a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone to an HDTV with very low latency, providing a better user experience.

WiDi

How Does WiDi Work?

WiDi uses hardware and software to compress and transmit video in the H.264 format, as well as digital audio with up to 6 channels, over a WiFi connection to a WiDi-compliant receiver. It doesn’t require a WiFi access point, router, or hotspot for operation; instead, it uses WiFi Direct for the wireless connection. A normal TV can be made WiDi-compliant with a suitable WiDi adapter.

For Windows Operating System 7 and 8, it requires third or fourth-generation CPUs (Central Processing Units). Intel WiDi 4.2 supports features like:

HD 1080p video
5.1 surround sound
Up to 6 multiple audio channels at 16 bits/48 KHz LPCM.
WiUSB channel support

How Wi-Fi Works

WiFi networks require WiFi routers or hotspots to establish the WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). Once a router is set up, powered on, and connected to a broadband internet connection, other WiFi-compliant devices like smartphones, laptops, PCs, and tablets can share the same internet line.

There are different versions of WLAN or WiFi standards, such as 802.11 b/a/g/n/ac/ax/be, each supporting different data rates and coverage distances.

WiDi vs. WiFi: Key Differences

Here’s a comparison of WiDi and WiFi, looking at their functions, use cases, security, network access, range, and other parameters:

Feature	WiDi	WiFi
Full Form	Wireless Display	Wireless Fidelity
Purpose	Allows wireless screen mirroring and content streaming from a device to a display, such as a TV or monitor.	Provides wireless network connectivity for devices to access the internet and local network resources.
Functionality	Primarily used for display mirroring and streaming audio/video content between devices.	Used for wireless data transfer, internet access, and communication between devices on a local network.
Technology	Utilizes Intel’s wireless display technology for wireless screen sharing.	Uses IEEE 802.11 standards for wireless communication, including 802.11ac and 802.11ax (WiFi 6).
Frequency	5 GHz (WiDi version 4.2)	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz (WiFi 6E)
Standard Versions	WiDi 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, Miracast	Different IEEE 802.11 standards are available (11b, 11a, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ax)
Advantages	Doesn’t require a WiFi hotspot or router and works directly with WiFi Direct. Fulfills high data rate and medium coverage wireless needs affordably.	Requires a router or hotspot for operation.
Range	Typically has a shorter range, suitable for connecting devices within the same room.	Can have a longer range.
Speed & Bandwidth	Focused on delivering high-quality video and audio streaming but may not offer the same speed and bandwidth as WiFi.	Offers higher data transfer speeds and more bandwidth for internet access and data exchange between devices.
Security	Not designed for network security.	Offers various security protocols (WPA2, WPA3) and encryption methods to protect network traffic.
Network Access	Does not provide internet access on its own; it’s a point-to-point connection for display sharing.	Provides internet access and local network connectivity for multiple devices simultaneously.
Device Compatibility	Requires compatible devices with Intel WiDi support, which may limit its availability on newer devices.	Supported by a wide range of devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more with standard WiFi capabilities.
Common Standards	Adheres to Intel’s WiDi Standard.	Follows IEEE 802.11 series of standards.
Common Applications	Used for screen mirroring during presentations, multimedia playback on TVs, and sharing content between devices in close proximity.	Used for internet access, local network file sharing, online gaming, video streaming, and various IoT applications.

WiDi Applications

WiDi technology has several applications, including:

Sharing a small screen (e.g., mobile) on a larger screen device (e.g., HDTV).
Establishing a two-way connection between a smart device and HDTV for real-time audio and video experience at fast speed.
Interacting with smartphone applications (such as social media, music, etc.) on a big-screen HDTV.

Conclusion

In summary, Intel WiDi and WiFi are both wireless technologies but serve different purposes and have distinct functionalities. WiDi focuses on wireless display streaming and content sharing, while WiFi is a general-purpose wireless networking technology used for internet access and device connectivity within a local network.