New Wi-Fi spec will support peer-to-peer networking

The Wi-Fi Alliance will certify the new specification by the middle of next year

An emerging Wi-Fi specification promises to allow users to link devices directly. Wi-Fi Direct allows systems to establish peer-to-peer connections and connect with other devices without the need for a Wi-Fi router.

The Wi-Fi Alliance said that the new specification is likely to be formally certified by the middle of next year, and will support connections between desktops, notebooks, printers, mobile phones and cameras, as well as other common devices.

The industry group envisions the new Wi-Fi standard being used not only for conventional networking applications, but for connecting peripherals and input devices.

"Wi-Fi users worldwide will benefit from a single-technology solution to transfer content and share applications quickly and easily among devices, even when a Wi-Fi access point is not available," said Edgar Figueroa, executive director of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

"The impact is that Wi-Fi will become even more pervasive and useful for consumers and across the enterprise."

The Wi-Fi Alliance plans to publish a specification and allow member companies to begin certifying devices in 2010.