Wi-Fi Aware
Wi-Fi Aware
Overview
Wi-Fi Aware, also known as NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking), is a peer-to-peer communication protocol based on standard Wi-Fi technology. Its key distinction from Wi-Fi P2P is the decentralized architecture of Wi-Fi Aware, enabling all devices to autonomously discover and communicate directly without centralized coordination.
Key Advantages
Decentralized Network Architecture
- Devices can communicate with each other without connecting to a Wi-Fi router or cellular network.
- Peer-to-peer communication enables direct data transmission between devices after discovery.
- When some devices go offline or move out of range, remaining nodes resynchronize clocks via the Anchor Master to maintain overall connection stability
- Devices can simultaneously connect to Wi-Fi Aware networks and traditional Wi-Fi/cellular networks without interference, meeting parallel requirements for real-time data transmission and background services.
Efficient Service Discovery
- Based on the Publisher/Subscriber model, devices match demands by broadcasting service identifiers (e.g., "file sharing"), achieving precise and low-latency discovery
Low Power Consumption
- Devices synchronously wake up only during scheduled "Discovery Windows" to exchange beacon frames, remaining dormant most of the time
Enhanced Security
- Encrypted data paths can be established between devices.
- Secure inter-device authentication, key negotiation, distribution, and management are achieved through pairing.
- GTK & IGTK provide protection for management frames and multicast data frames.
- BIGTK safeguards beacon frames
Typical Applications
As shown on the left diagram, devices may engage in interactions including but not limited to the following:
- Multiple mobile phones simultaneously send print tasks to a printer via point-to-point links.
- Mobile phones directly operate smart devices (e.g., cameras, sweeping robots, speakers).
- File sharing between mobile phones.
