It has been known for a long time that a Wi -Fi network can be used to detect movements within its reach. In a way, it can be used to ‘See through the walls’but it was something that for years has remained within the scope of scientific studies and with few applications in the real world. Now, this use of technology has reached the consumer market by the hand of Xfinitythe brand under which Comcast It markets its residential telecommunications services (internet, telephony, etc.) in USA.
Thanks to a function called Wi -Fi Motionusers can already use their router and other devices such as movement sensors capable of detecting even gestures made with one hand. The drawback: the Movement data are also collected and can be shared with third parties.
No additional cost for users, the XFinity app allows select up to three devices connected by Wifi and send alerts if movement is detected between them. Thus, a printer, an intelligent refrigerator, an Xbox or any other IoT device can be used as a movement sensor. Wi -Fi Motionhowever, It is not compatible with smartphones or tabletsnor with devices connected by Wi -Fi signal extensors.
The new function is aimed at improving the home security and only requires a compatible router like the Advanced Xfinity Gateway (Technicolor XB7 or posterior model). A gateway device is a router that also includes the modem/ONT of the Internet service provider that is usually installed separately and then connects by cable to the router.
How to detect movement
Wifi signals travel between the router and other devices, and anything among them can make them bounce. The movement is detected when these signals They are interrupted.
Wifi motion can detect even when it takes place In other rooms and plants. However, the system does not indicate the exact location of the movement. The app sends a Notification indicating what the device is that has detected the activity.
The company clarifies that, although useful in the domestic environment, It is not a security system and? It is not monitored by professionals.
Users must ensure that the three devices have a good WiFi signal, Maximize coverage placing the router in a central location and distributing them to cover an area as much as possible. The detection zone that is created has an oval shape and Xfinity recommends not locating two devices one on top of the other in different plants.
Default, Wi -Fi Motion detects even minor movementsincluding small pets, although, for example, It does not always distinguish between a large animal and a child. Users can Adjust sensitivity. The high sensitivity, which is recommended when walls are not shared with neighbors, can detect small movements as a gesture with the hand, ‘says Xfinity.
Concern for privacy
In Hacker Newsmany users have expressed their Concern about privacy implicationssince the company’s policy in this aspect indicates that the company collects data on movement activity and other information if the function is activated.
Movement detection could allow Internet suppliers monitor the activity at home and share that datathey argue in this News aggregation websitein the style of Reddit, where the news has also raised controversy.
‘Subject to applicable legislation, Comcast can Disseminate the information generated by your wifi motion to third parties without notifying youin relation to any investigation or judicial process, a dispute in which Comcast is a party, or in compliance with a court order or citation, ‘says Xfinity on its support page.