BatNet: Data transmission between smartphones over ultrasound
Almos Zarandy, Ilia Shumailov, Ross Anderson
TL;DR
BatNet enables smartphones to transmit data via ultrasound at over 600bit/s within 6 meters, facilitating censorship-resistant mesh networks, though less effective for Covid contact tracing compared to Bluetooth Low Energy.
Contribution
Introduces BatNet, a novel ultrasound-based data transmission method for smartphones with specific modulation and frequency parameters.
Findings
Data transmission rate exceeds 600bit/s
Effective up to 6 meters distance
Limited suitability for Covid contact tracing
Abstract
In this paper, we present BatNet, a data transmission mechanism using ultrasound signals over the built-in speakers and microphones of smartphones. Using phase shift keying with an 8-point constellation and frequencies between 20--24kHz, it can transmit data at over 600bit/s up to 6m. The target application is a censorship-resistant mesh network. We also evaluated it for Covid contact tracing but concluded that in this application ultrasonic communications do not appear to offer enough advantage over Bluetooth Low Energy to be worth further development.
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Taxonomy
TopicsBluetooth and Wireless Communication Technologies · Opportunistic and Delay-Tolerant Networks · Wireless Body Area Networks