Wi-Fi Sensing Network Setup Without Router Disconnection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In whole-house intelligent scenarios, constructing a Wi-Fi sensing network without affecting the existing Wi-Fi communication network is challenging, as current methods require manual disconnection and reconnection of terminal devices, leading to deteriorated communication quality.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a sensing device that obtains the MAC address of terminal devices using a routing device, sends packets based on this address, measures CSI, and senses environmental changes without altering the existing Wi-Fi communication network, allowing terminal devices to communicate with the sensing device without disconnecting from the router.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal device is disconnected from the router and connected to the sensing device to construct the Wi-Fi sensing network, then sensing function is enabled, but communication quality of the terminal device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing functionVSAvoidcommunication quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensing device into the existing Wi-Fi communication network as a regular terminal device rather than requiring separate network construction. The sensing device obtains a IP address from the router and communicates through the same network infrastructure, allowing both communication and sensing functions to coexist in one unified network without compromising communication quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing Wi-Fi router and network infrastructure are made multi-functional by enabling them to serve both communication purposes and sensing purposes simultaneously. The router continues to provide internet connectivity while also facilitating sensing operations through the sensing device that is integrated as a normal network participant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal device is manually disconnected and reconnected to construct the sensing network, then sensing network is established, but user operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing network establishmentVSAvoiduser operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing device automatically joins the existing Wi-Fi network using pre-configured credentials (SSID and password) without requiring user intervention for disconnection or reconnection operations. The device autonomously obtains network parameters including IP address, gateway, and DNS from the router, eliminating manual configuration steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing device is pre-configured with the Wi-Fi network credentials (SSID and password) before deployment. This preliminary configuration enables the device to automatically authenticate and join the network without requiring users to perform any setup operations, thereby simplifying the deployment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensing device acts as an access point to enable sensing, then sensing capability is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoiddevice role

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the sensing device an access point that other devices connect to, the patent inverts the approach by making the sensing device a client that connects to the existing access point (router). This reversal simplifies the sensing device's functionality as it only needs standard Wi-Fi client capabilities rather than requiring access point functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach maintains the original Wi-Fi communication quality while enabling sensing, reduces user operation, and allows the sensing device to function as either an AP or STA, providing continuous and accurate environmental sensing without interfering with the existing network.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining channel state information (channel state information, CSI) between the sensing device and the terminal device based on the response, to perform sensing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChannel State Information (CSI) measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS20260025678A1Method for establishing sensing network and related apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method includes: obtaining a media access control MAC address of a terminal device by using a routing device, where the terminal device is connected to the routing device; sending a packet to the terminal device based on the MAC address; receiving, from the terminal device, a response to the packet; and obtaining channel state information CSI between a sensing device and the terminal device based on the response, to perform sensing.