WIFI-CAST
Wi-Fi CAST
Solution Selection
Overview
WIFI-CAST is a connectionless Wi-Fi communication protocol defined by Realtek. In WIFI-CAST, devices can transmit application data without establishing a Wi-Fi connection. It supports one-to-many and many-to-many device connections and communications. Unlike communication using TCP/IP protocols, WIFI-CAST can transmit data directly to the data link layer, reducing latency caused by packet loss during network congestion and achieving faster response times.
The following is a comparison diagram between standard WIFI and WIFI-CAST communication:
WIFI-CAST devices can transmit application data directly, without the need to establish a WIFI connection through a router. This capability enables WIFI-CAST to support various networking scenarios, including one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many connections. The illustration below demonstrates these configurations:
Even when devices maintain a standard WIFI connection with a router, they can still use WIFI-CAST to communicate with other WIFI-CAST nodes, forming a hybrid network, as shown in the figure below:
WIFI-CAST uses the CCMP-128 method to protect the security of data frames. WIFI-CAST devices maintain several keys, When security is enabled, data frames are encrypted using the CCMP method with the set key.
Advantages
There's no need to establish a standard Wi-Fi connection. Application layer data is sent directly to the Wi-Fi driver, greatly improving networking speed and effectively reducing latency.
It supports one-to-many and many-to-many device connections and communication, easily enabling multi-terminal collaboration with good scalability.>
If the transmitting end has no sending tasks, it can enter a μA-level power consumption mode, greatly improving the battery life of battery-powered products.
CCMP-128 hardware encryption technology is used to protect data frames, ensuring transmission security and reliability.
Typical Applications
- Custom Mesh Applications: Take advantage of WIFI-CAST's flexible networking and direct data transmission to easily implement custom WIFI-Mesh applications.
- Remote Debugging: When there is no debug serial port available, WIFI-CAST can be used to send core logs to a dedicated WIFI-CAST node for analysis.
- Remote Control Applications: With low power consumption and fast networking, remote control applications can be easily implemented with higher bandwidth and longer distances.
Custom Mesh Applications
Take advantage of WIFI-CAST's flexible networking and direct data transmission to easily implement custom WIFI-Mesh applications.
Remote Debugging
When there is no debug serial port available, WIFI-CAST can be used to send core logs to a dedicated WIFI-CAST node for analysis.
Remote Control Applications
With low power consumption and fast networking, remote control applications can be easily implemented with higher bandwidth and longer distances.
Development Resources
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SDK Download | Link |
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Wi-Fi CAST Development Guide | Link |
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Wi-Fi CAST Examples | Link |
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Contact Us | Link |
Recommended ICs
| Features | Filter | RTL872xD | RTL8721Dx | RTL8721F | RTL8720E | RTL8710E | RTL8726E | RTL8713E | RTL8730E | RTL8735B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Processor |
Cortex-M | Cortex-M | Cortex-M | Cortex-M | Cortex-M | Cortex-M | Cortex-M | Cortex-A | Cortex-M | |
| DSP | ||||||||||
| ISP | ||||||||||
| TrustZone | ||||||||||
| Dual Band | ||||||||||
| Wi-Fi6 | ||||||||||
| R-MESH | ||||||||||
| Ultra-low power | ||||||||||
| Ethernet | ||||||||||
| BT Dual Mode | ||||||||||
| HMI | ||||||||||
| Audio ADC | ||||||||||
| Audio DAC | ||||||||||
| USB | ||||||||||
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BT Dedicated Antenna |



