WIFI-CAST

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Wi-Fi CAST

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:

Wi-Fi CAST Architecture
Wi-Fi CAST Network 1#

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:

Wi-Fi CAST Network 2#

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

Fast Networking and Low-Latency Communication

    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.

Low Power Consumption

    It supports one-to-many and many-to-many device connections and communication, easily enabling multi-terminal collaboration with good scalability.

Low Latency Response

    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.

Safe and Reliable

    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.

Development Resources

SDK icon SDK Download Link
Doc icon Wi-Fi CAST Development Guide Link
App icon Wi-Fi CAST Examples Link
Contact icon 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
BT Dedicated
Antenna?