As cutting-edge technologies emerge, their journey toward widespread adoption is often gradual, especially when integrating with existing systems is a complex process. Wi-Fi Sensing is one such innovation, relatively new but with the potential to transform how we interact with wireless networks.
Wi-Fi chipsets weren’t originally designed for motion detection, and many don’t properly display or process Channel State Information (CSI)—the data that shows how signals interact—in a way that’s usable for detecting motion. For a Wi-Fi Sensing software stack to work effectively, it must access and interpret CSI. However, this is challenging when the chipsets aren’t designed for this purpose, as CSI loses its usefulness once the data is received and demodulated, having traditionally been limited to the physical (PHY) layer to assist the receiver. As a result, integration is a case-by-case effort, requiring close collaboration with Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) to evaluate and customize each chipset series.
While each integration builds on previous work, the process remains complex, demanding technical expertise and careful adaptation. The upcoming 802.11bf Wi-Fi Sensing standard promises to streamline future integrations. To learn more about this crucial standard, check out our 802.11bf blog series. While efforts are underway to standardize Wi-Fi Sensing integration across Wi-Fi chipsets, we want to share insights into the current process of preparing a chipset for Wi-Fi Sensing integration.
The WiFi Motion Integration Process
Our customer-led process usually begins when an ODM contacts us to integrate WiFi Motion’s basic features into their devices. These ODMs produce routers and gateways, which are essential for delivering Wi-Fi and enabling motion-sensing capabilities. While compatible client devices can also support WiFi Motion, routers and gateways are crucial in bringing the technology to end users. Note: For more complex projects with partners seeking custom solutions with advanced features, our integration will look different than what is below.
1. Initial Evaluation
Cognitive performs an extensive hardware assessment (such as reviewing CPU speed, driver versions, etc.) to verify that the device can support WiFi Motion. Each device is carefully evaluated to ensure its chipset can generate the necessary CSI data, in addition to meeting the basic software requirements. Proper access to CSI is essential for reliable and accurate motion detection.
2. Base Image Integration
At this stage, we begin integrating the WiFi Motion software. The ODM provides Cognitive with a base software image—the device’s original firmware without our motion sensing technology. Using this as the foundation, we incorporate our WiFi Motion stack, adding motion detection algorithms and enabling the system to process CSI for accurate movement detection.
We collaborate closely with the ODM throughout this process, often working across time zones and languages to address challenges and keep the integration on track. Each chipset may have unique requirements, so our team customizes the software to ensure it’s properly configured for the device’s hardware. By the end of this stage, the device is equipped to detect movement via Wi-Fi signals, ready for testing to verify its accuracy and performance.
3. Testing the WiFi Motion Stack
Once the WiFi Motion stack is integrated, we have to test to ensure that the motion sensing capabilities function as intended. We run an extensive series of tests designed to evaluate multiple aspects of performance, focusing on three key areas:
- Quality: Ensuring that the software stack is stable (i.e., no glitches or errors) and operates smoothly within the device’s broader system.
- Motion Detection Accuracy: Verifying that the motion sensing accurately detects and interprets movement by analyzing the CSI data.
- Hardware Compatibility: Confirming that the integrated software works seamlessly with the device’s specific hardware, such as its Wi-Fi chipset and CPU.
- Software Interoperability: Testing the compatibility of the ODM’s Wi-Fi features (i.e. Wi-Fi optimization, power saving, device identification, speed testing, etc.)
If the initial tests are successful, the modified firmware is sent back to the ODM. The ODM then integrates the updated WiFi Motion stack into their official software image. Since Cognitive doesn’t have access to the full source code of the ODM’s proprietary firmware, close collaboration is essential to ensure the motion sensing capabilities are properly integrated into the final software.
4. QA Testing & Final Approval
Once the WiFi Motion stack is integrated into the device’s official software, we run detailed QA tests to ensure everything works as expected. The QA process checks motion detection accuracy, hardware compatibility, and overall system stability under real-world conditions. After this testing, we share comprehensive reports with the ODM, confirming that all performance and functional requirements are met. Once the image passes testing, the final version is sent to the ODM for deployment, marking the completion of the integration process and readiness for consumer use. To learn more about Cognitive’s QA process, check out our blog on what it takes for accurate, reliable Wi-Fi Sensing.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Each device requires a unique solution, and one of the most common technical hurdles is ensuring compatibility between a device’s driver and our motion-sensing stack. This complexity is why close collaboration with ODMs is essential throughout the process. As WiFi Motion expands and the 802.11bf standard is introduced, many of the current custom integration challenges will be reduced, but the QA process will remain. This new standard will streamline much of the process, allowing for faster and more efficient integrations. With standard-compliant chipsets, the need for individual customizations will decrease, enabling us to complete integrations more quickly, ultimately saving both time and costs for us and our partners.
Looking forward, future chipsets designed specifically with Wi-Fi Sensing in mind will inherently support features like CSI, eliminating many of the current limitations. As these technologies evolve, the collaborative approach we’ve built with our partners will remain crucial to scaling WiFi Motion into a seamless, widely adopted solution, driven by the field expertise we’ve developed through years of successful integration across various chipsets and frameworks.