Miracast vs. Wi-Fi: Key Differences Explained

This article explores the differences between Miracast and Wi-Fi, two wireless technologies both rooted in the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards. While they both facilitate connections between devices for sharing audio, video, and data, they achieve this in distinct ways.

Miracast Technology

Miracast leverages Wi-Fi Direct, enabling two devices to establish a direct Wi-Fi connection without needing a traditional Wi-Fi router. Think of it as Bluetooth or regular Wi-Fi in terms of connection simplicity. No existing home network is necessary for devices to pair.

Miracast supports H.264 for up to 1080p video and 5.1 surround sound audio. Key features include:

• Standards: Wi-Fi P2P, Wi-Fi Direct
• Application: Screen Mirroring
• Frequency Allocation: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
• Encryption: WPA2
• Network Type: P2P (Peer-to-Peer)
• Power: Similar to WLAN standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
• Range: Similar to WLAN standards
• Data Rate: Similar to WLAN standards

What is Wi-Fi?

The term “Wi-Fi” generally refers to wireless devices connecting via a WLAN standard-based physical layer. Wi-Fi networks rely on an Access Point (AP) or router to provide connections to client devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Therefore, any Wi-Fi network necessitates an Access Point or Wi-Fi router.

The table below summarizes the differences between various WLAN standards:

Similarities and Differences

By analyzing the points above, you can identify the similarities and differences between Miracast and Wi-Fi technology. In essence, both technologies use Wi-Fi, but Miracast establishes a direct, router-less connection, while Wi-Fi uses an Access Point for network connectivity.