WiFi Sensing

Wi-Fi Sensing (also referred to as WLAN Sensing) is a technology that uses existing <a href="/facts/Wi-Fi/u94quCsx">Wi-Fi</a> signals for the purpose of  detecting events or changes such as motion, <a href="/facts/Gesture_recognition/jly3YdnY">gesture recognition</a>, and biometric measurement (e.g. breathing). Wi-Fi Sensing allows for the utilization of conventional  Wi-Fi transceiver hardware and Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum for both communication and <a href="/facts/Sensor/RN8SXbjs">sensing</a> purposes.
The integration of communication and sensing functionalities within mobile networking technology constitutes a large area of exploration and is commonly referred to as Joint Communications and radar/radio Sensing (JCAS). This convergence of technologies presents an opportunity to harness pre-existing hardware and infrastructure, fostering the emergence of novel services, while facilitating a higher level of interaction with networked devices (e.g. <a href="/facts/Internet_of_things/rwwGAxn3">IoT</a> and automation).  
Wi-Fi technology operates across multiple frequency bands, Broadly categorized into two groups: (a) sub-7 GHz (including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz) and (b) 60 GHz. Common Wi-Fi routers and IoT devices (including those compliant with IEEE 802.11n/ac/ax/be, or Wi-Fi 4/5/6/7) predominantly operate within the sub-7 GHz range. The widespread global adoption of these frequencies has at times resulted in pronounced network congestion, particularly in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Consequently, the 6 GHz band, characterized by reduced congestion and reduced latency, has been introduced. Separately, a new branch of Wi-Fi, called WiGig, operates at 60 GHz supporting higher data rates over very short distances through wider bandwidth (including IEEE 802.11ad/aj/ay). These two groups provide a unique range of possible use cases dependent on the physical electro-magnetic propagation properties, approved power levels, and allocated bandwidth resources.
The features of this technology can be broadly categorized into four domains:
Detection (<a href="/facts/Binary_classification/MeYYAMwp">binary classification</a>, e.g. intruder detection, fall-down detection, presence detection), 
Localization (e.g. where motion occurs) 
Recognition (<a href="/facts/Multi-class_classification/aS7sV9EX">multi-class classification</a>, e.g. gesture, gait, human/pet, activity of daily living), and 
Estimation (e.g. quantity values of size, length, angle, distance, breathing rate, heart rate, people counting, etc.).
To date, detection of motion, filter of motion (i.e., pets and fans), the relative amount of motion and as well as localization have been included in commercialized Wi-Fi Sensing applications.

WiFi Sensing open-in-new

WiFi Sensing