How does metro app use Wi-Fi direct?

Question

I found that there are several APIs for Wi-Fi direct: 1) WFDOpenHandle; 2) WFDCloseHandle; 3) WFDStartOpenSession; 4) WFDCloseSession, etc. However, in metro app, how to use the Wi-Fi direct APIs to communicate with other app in nearby device? It seems proximity is about Wi-Fi direct, but users must tap & go to pairing. If I want to discover the device, and connect it, transfer the file to nearby apps. What should I do? Thanks!

Answer 1

The 4 APIs you mentioned are for Desktop apps as evidenced by the header.

#pragma region Desktop Family
#if WINAPI_FAMILY_PARTITION(WINAPI_PARTITION_DESKTOP)

I'm currently looking into this to see if there are any other possible options aside from the proximity solution you mentioned.

Thanks,

-David

Answer 2

Hi Dongjjing,

Take a look at the //build/ session Understanding Wi-Fi Direct in Windows 8.  Yatharth answers this directly at timecode 42:50. For Metro style apps Wi-Fi Direct connections are available through application centric API such as Proximity and PlayTo. For low level control of the connection you would need a Desktop app to use the Win32 API.

--Rob

Answer 3

Hi DavidLamb,

Any update? Thanks!

Answer 4

Hi Rob Caplan,

I know Proximity's API, how about PlayTo's API? I mean can you tell me the namespace and class about PlayTo? Thanks!

Answer 5

Hi Dongjjing,

Take a look at this documentation on Playto.

--Rob

Answer 6

Hi Rob Caplan,

Thanks!

Answer 7

Hello,

Here is an article to help you transfer data/files VERY easily with Wifi-Direct between 2 Win8 peers.

It includes a WinRT lib written in C# you can use for your own.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/stephe/archive/2013/12/11/win8-1-transfering-a-file-between-2-peers-using-wifi-direct-and-proximity-api.aspx

Hope it helps

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Stéphanie H. Relations Techniques Développeurs - Microsoft