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  • Author Author: Catwell
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Wi-Fi Devices to Use Sound to Access Internet

Catwell
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Picture concept from Intel's patent US 2011/0277023
 
Intel has patented an idea that would allow Wi-Fi devices to connect to their router simply by sounds. Televisions and other devices have lengthy codes which must be added to the router’s list to ensure a secure connection. However, entering this code can be time consuming and a challenge for people that are visually or physically impaired, so instead, the Intel team has proposed a future change to the Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
 
This change comes in the form of Wi-Fi devices that use sounds as authorization ID codes to allow connectivity between the device via a microphone-equipped router. The team says that the sound could be anything from arranged clicks, to music or even a synthesizer voice as long as it is unique to the device attempting to connect, effectively replacing its printed ID code.
 
Of course, security issues could arise if the sound is heard by people who should not have access to the router. One of their main development goals will be to assure the sound does not penetrate walls. If the project proves to be secure, Intel hopes to change the standard Wi-Fi Protected Setup now used by Wi-Fi routers. (Ultrasonic is always an option.)
 
Cabe
 
  • in reply to DAB

    The password is always "swordfish"

     

    If you can encrypt other wireless communication, it can apply here as well without any modification to the schemes.

    Though, I will say that radio signals have quite a bit of a propagation boost over sound, but it shouldn't matter.

     

    Cabe

  • You could get the security issue solved by using specific sound sequences for each person authorized.  Yea it can be tapped, but if you use the sound proof booth idea for each person, you make it very difficult.  Plus you can still use embedded cameras to do a positive face ID.

     

    You also have frequency modulation possibilities for more exotic encoding, plus sidebands, carriers, mixers, ...

     

    So I think this one could be implemented rather easily.

     

    Just a thought,

    DAB

  • in reply to Catwell

    Cool idea.  Noise aside, you could probably encode the data to add more security, right?

  • in reply to fustini

    One of my college projects was a auto-tracking camera that would follow an ultrasonic badge. (Only the person carrying it.)

     

    On design showcase day, the system was in a room that had such insane acoustics that the camera trackers was jumping all around. Another issue such a device will face.

    (I combated this problem with a quick programming addition, I averaged every 5th signal received. The problem was temporarily solved. Second place in robotics was achieved.)

     

    Anyone with the special ultrasonic tone could have controlled by system.

     

    Cabe

  • Interesting point about sound and walls.  Similar to the security argument I've heard in favor of light-based wireless intra-room communication.