Method and apparatus for proximity sensing

A first device, comprising:

• a processing system including a processor;
• and
• a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:
• generating electromagnetic waves;
• and
• providing the electromagnetic waves at a physical interface of a transmission medium, wherein the electromagnetic waves propagate without requiring an electrical return path, and wherein the electromagnetic waves are guided by the transmission medium to a receiver of a second device,
• wherein the providing of the electromagnetic waves enables the second device to detect a physical object in proximity to the transmission medium according to a change in a parameter associated with the electromagnetic waves.

A machine-readable storage device, comprising instructions, wherein responsive to executing the instructions, a processing system of a first device performs operations comprising:

• receiving, via a receiver of the first device, electromagnetic waves that are generated by a transmitter of a second device at a physical interface of a transmission medium, wherein the electromagnetic waves propagate without requiring an electrical return path, and wherein the electromagnetic waves are guided by the transmission medium to the receiver of the first device;
• monitoring for a disturbance in the electromagnetic waves;
• and
• detecting a physical object in proximity to the transmission medium according to a determination of the disturbance in the electromagnetic waves.