In-Depth Comparison of Screen Mirroring Protocols: Technical Characteristics and Applicable Scenarios of WiDi, Miracast, and AirPlay

1. Analysis of Technical Architecture

WiDi Technical Architecture

• Based on Intel hardware platforms, tightly integrated with Intel processors and chipsets.
• Requires specific network card support (Intel Wireless Display-compatible adapters).
• Gradually replaced by newer technologies (such as Miracast) due to limited compatibility.

Miracast Technical Standard

• Built on Wi-Fi Direct, enabling direct device-to-device connection without a router.
• Uses peer-to-peer transmission, reducing dependence on network infrastructure.
• An open industry standard maintained by the Wi-Fi Alliance, promoting cross-manufacturer compatibility.

AirPlay Technical Ecosystem

• An exclusive protocol developed by Apple, limited to Apple devices and authorized third-party products.
• Requires official licensing for third-party devices to support full functionality.
• Optimized for seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV).

2. Comparison of Performance

Connection Stability

• Miracast: Stability is significantly affected by network environment (interference, signal strength).
• AirPlay: Highly stable within the Apple ecosystem, with minimal disconnections.
• WiDi: Relies heavily on hardware configuration; performance varies across different Intel chip generations.

Transmission Latency

• AirPlay: Delivers the best latency performance (typically <100ms) in Apple’s closed ecosystem.
• Miracast: Latency has been continuously improved (currently ~150-300ms) with protocol updates.
• All protocols: Ongoing optimization of encoding algorithms and wireless transmission to reduce latency.

3. Scenario Applicability

Recommendations for Educational Scenarios

• Universality: Prioritize Miracast for its broad support across Android and Windows devices (common in classrooms).
• Apple ecosystem: Supplement with AirPlay if there is a high proportion of iPhones/iPads among teachers and students.
• Consider existing device infrastructure: Align protocol selection with the majority of devices in use to minimize compatibility issues.

Selection for Enterprise Scenarios

• Scenarios with high stability requirements: AirPlay is preferred for all-Apple environments; Miracast with dedicated hardware adapters for mixed systems.
• Multi-platform compatibility needs: Miracast is more suitable for environments with diverse devices (Windows, Android, etc.).
• Information security considerations: AirPlay offers stricter permission control; Miracast requires additional encryption measures for sensitive data.

Selection Suggestion: Choose the most suitable screen mirroring protocol solution based on existing device infrastructure, usage scenario requirements, and technical maintenance capabilities.