Wireless Devices Emitting Sound Signals to Get Connected to Wi-Fi Routers

Earlier, dial-up modems made warbling sounds and provided very slow Internet connectivity. But now, Intel is planning to use such sounds to make Wi-Fi connection between devices and Wi-Fi routers. Last week, in the U.S. patent application, Intel revealed that this will prevent the hassle faced by users while trying to connect wireless devices like speakers and televisions to a Wi-Fi router.

At present, you have to key-in a secured 8 digit ID code, in order to make sure that it gets connected only to the desired devices. This code is displayed in a device’s setup menu or on the back of the device to be connected. This consumes a lot of time. Also, people with myopia find it difficult to decipher such codes written minutely on the devices.

Intel is trying to develop an automated audio communication system, with which, the need to manually enter the codes will be eliminated. Built-in speakers of the Wi-Fi devices will emit a specific series of sounds which the in-built microphone of the router will receive. The router will hear that audibly emitted code, verify the device type, and automatically enroll it to the wireless network.

As compared to the dial-up modems, the sounds emitted from these wireless devices may be different. Instead of the bleeps, such sounds can be music or coded clicks. For the benefit of the visually impaired, the code can be spoken out with the help of a voice synthesizer.

If the system is considered to be secure by experts, then the sounds should not be loud enough to be heard through walls. According to Intel, it can be a part of Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a future variant. It is a standard software for enrolment that almost all Wi-Fi device manufacturers are using at present.