Provider turns millions of routers into motion sensors via update

The use of WLAN radiation fields to detect people has so far been limited to experimental projects. The US provider Comcast is now changing that on a large scale and is turning millions of existing routers into motion detectors.

Simple home alarm system

With an update to the Xfinity Internet app, the US company is introducing the “WiFi Motion” function, which can detect movements in homes and report them via the app. There are no additional costs for compatible routers for customers who use the company’s standard router in conjunction with their Internet connection. The technology uses changes in the Wi-Fi radio signal that occur when people or other objects move between the router and connected devices. Additional sensors are not required for this. Comcast is integrating the feature into its new Xfinity Shield service, which is offered free to all customers. In addition to WiFi Motion, the package includes, among other things, advanced protection against online threats such as malware and phishing as well as improved parental control functions.

Users can enable and disable motion detection via the Xfinity app. This is what the Home Watch, Away Watch and Dark Watch operating modes are for, with which living space monitoring can be implemented according to various scenarios – for example for the usual absence times of the residents or bedtime. An Xfinity gateway from the XB7 series or newer is required. Using Wi-Fi signals to detect motion is not a new idea. Among other things, Linksys had already started a corresponding service in 2021, but later discontinued it. Wiz and Philips Hue have also developed processes that use radio waves to detect movements. However, Philips uses Zigbee instead of WLAN. Comcast says it has refined the algorithms for WiFi Motion over the past three years and reduced the inaccuracies of previous systems.

Further development is ongoing

The company currently does not see the technology as a complete replacement for classic security systems with cameras and physical sensors. However, for average households it can already offer a basic level of security. If you need more extensive features, you can book Xfinity Shield Select for $15 per month. This includes, among other things, an interior camera, a door or window sensor, cloud storage for recordings and a 24-hour emergency service. In the long term, Comcast sees further possible uses for the technology. In addition to home security, it could, for example, help support older people in their own homes. Other companies are also working on such solutions. According to Comcast, motion detection could therefore serve as the basis for further applications in the future.