Proximity sensing using spectral analysis

An apparatus for wireless communication, in a system comprising:

• a memory that stores instructions;
• and
• a processor coupled with the memory, wherein the processor and memory are configured to:
• receive a reference waveform at the apparatus;
• determine spectral characteristics for the received reference waveform;
• receive, from a station, a report of spectral characteristics for the reference waveform as received at the station;
• and
• sense a proximity of the station to the apparatus based at least in part on a comparison of the determined spectral characteristics for the received reference waveform and the spectral characteristics for the reference waveform as received at the station.

A method for wireless communication at a station, comprising:

• receiving a reference waveform;
• determining spectral characteristics for the reference waveform;
• transmitting, to an access point, a report including the determined spectral characteristics;
• and
• receiving, from the access point and in response to the transmitted report, an indication of a sensed proximity between the access point and the station.

A method for wireless communication at an access point, comprising:

• receiving a reference waveform at the access point;
• determining spectral characteristics for the received reference waveform;
• receiving, from a station, a report of spectral characteristics for the reference waveform as received at the station;
• and
• sensing a proximity of the station to the access point based at least in part on a comparison of the determined spectral characteristics for the received reference waveform and the spectral characteristics for the reference waveform as received at the station.