[4] 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. IoT and automation).
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.
Wi-Fi Sensing adds measurements of the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) RF signals used by the PHY to detect features in the local physical environment.
Development work continues on more powerful processing, higher resolution measurements in new generation radios, and new software models to enable better detection within the local environment.
DrivenL’s subsequent efforts within the academic community shifted the focus of SDR technology predominantly back to Wi-Fi, culminating in the development of tools for extracting Channel State Information (CSI) measurements from standard 802.11n Network Interface Cards (NICs).
The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has taken proactive measures to foster industry awareness and comprehension of Wi-Fi Sensing by instituting a specialized workgroup dedicated to this technology domain.
Recognizing the growing importance and potential of Wi-Fi Sensing in various applications, spanning from smart homes to healthcare, the task group aims to establish a unified framework for its implementation.
By setting these standards, the IEEE 802.11bf Task Group is facilitating an integrated and harmonized adoption of Wi-Fi Sensing across industries, ensuring seamless communication among devices and systems thereby maximizing the benefits of this innovative technology.