Date: 17/11/2010

DLNA includes Wi-Fi Direct in its interoperability guidelines

The Digital Living Network Alliance has announced that Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct has been incorporated into its Interoperability Guidelines. Wi-Fi Direct is a certification by the Wi-Fi Alliance for products that are capable of device-to-device connections without the presence of a traditional home, office or hotspot network. Through incorporation into the DLNA Interoperability Guidelines, Wi-Fi Direct will expand on the existing Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices supported by DLNA to enhance wireless connectivity for consumers globally.

"Wi-Fi Direct meets an important need for today's consumers to enjoy seamless product interoperability," said Nidhish Parikh, chairman and president of DLNA. "DLNA has supported Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices since 2005 and the inclusion of Wi-Fi Direct in our Interoperability Guidelines is a logical extension of our relationship with the Wi-Fi Alliance. We continue to advance the connected home by providing consumers with new, innovative ways to connect and enjoy their digital content."

ABI Research recently examined key market and technology trends for the integration of home networking capability in mobile devices and expects DLNA Certified and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct smartphones to grow strongly through 2016. The firm stated that both will help consumers when connecting devices at home and will bring wireless technology further into the mainstream market.

"Worldwide demand for interoperable, security-protected Wi-Fi products has grown exponentially in recent years, and the device-to-device usages enabled by Wi-Fi Direct are fundamental to digital home usages for Wi-Fi," said Edgar Figueroa, CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance. "Wi-Fi continues to evolve and to enhance the connected consumer experience. The incorporation of Wi-Fi Direct into the DLNA Interoperability Guidelines will aid the proliferation of Wi-Fi Direct in today's connected home."