Wi-Fi Sensing Algorithms Utilizing Zigbee RF Receiver for Use in Emergency Communications Mesh

This thesis examines a low-power Wi-Fi sensing wake-up controller for an emergency communications mesh network; the goal of the research study is to progressively develop a prototype system that could be used in a live environment. Wireless network protocols are reviewed, in addition to a limited view of cluster analysis, in order to introduce relevant receiver concepts crucial to understanding this study. Algorithms for system implementation are developed, and pseudocode, designed to be configurable and platform-independent, is given for each. The system’s design goals are identified, followed by a discussion on approaches and optimizations in order to maximize the system’s usefulness. An example hardware configuration is given, in conjunction with an analysis of benefits and a discussion of drawbacks for several design options. Finally, the prototype is tested according to design goals in order to establish its feasibility. The results demonstrate that the prototype meets the proposed design goals. The implications of these findings include low power optimization for wireless technologies and machine learning techniques for wireless detection