802.11bf Multiband Passive Sensing: Reusing Wi-Fi Signaling for Sensing

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multiband passive sensing system using IEEE 802.11bf Wi-Fi signals, combining sub-7 GHz and mmWave bands to improve indoor environmental sensing accuracy and security.

Contribution

It presents a novel multiband sensing approach with the MILAGRO model, enhancing Wi-Fi-based sensing accuracy and addressing security concerns in passive environmental monitoring.

Findings

Achieves 95-100% accuracy in human detection and tracking

Demonstrates improved performance by combining multiband CSI data

Addresses security risks in passive Wi-Fi sensing

Abstract

This paper presents a novel multiband passive sensing system that leverages IEEE 802.11bf Wi-Fi signals for environmental sensing, focusing on both sub-7 GHz and millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands. By combining Channel State Information (CSI) from multiple bands, the system enhances accuracy and reliability in detecting human presence, movement, and activities in indoor environments. Utilizing a novel model, called MILAGRO, the system demonstrates robust performance across different scenarios, including monitoring human presence in workspaces and tracking movement in corridors. Experimental results show high accuracy (95-100%), with improved performance by integrating multiband data. The system also addresses key security concerns associated with passive sensing, proposing measures to mitigate potential risks. This work advances the use of Wi-Fi for passive sensing by reducing reliance on active sensing infrastructure and extending the capabilities of low-cost, non-intrusive environmental monitoring.