August 20, 2026, 5:58 am | Read time: 2 minutes
For many people, the router is one of those devices that hardly gets any attention in daily life. It usually sits somewhere in the home, ensuring that streaming, news, and connected devices work. Now, however, the technology is set to take on another task. Millions of routers will soon be able to detect if someone is moving around the home.
Behind this new feature is the U.S. internet provider Comcast. On August 18, the company introduced its Xfinity Shield offering. Part of the package is the “WiFi Motion” feature, which uses compatible Xfinity routers as a type of motion detector. No additional sensors or cameras are needed for this.
How detection via Wi-Fi works
The technology uses the existing Wi-Fi signals. Routers are constantly connected to smartphones, TVs, and other devices. When a person moves through a room, these signals change.
WiFi Motion detects exactly these changes. If the system registers unexpected movement, it can send a notification to the Xfinity app. This feature uses the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure and requires no additional devices.
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Users determine when the system is active
The motion detection is not automatically enabled. Users must first activate WiFi Motion. Afterward, three different settings are available.
The system can be adjusted to the times when people are at home, away, or sleeping. The feature is especially intended to report movements during absence or at night.
According to Comcast, there are no additional costs for customers with a compatible Xfinity router. The offer also includes protection features against online threats. Additionally, parents can set usage times for individual devices or block their Wi-Fi access.
Similar technology is also used in Germany
The idea behind motion detection via Wi-Fi is not new. Telekom tested the technology back in spring 2026 with several variants of the Speedport Smart 4 and Speedport 7.
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According to the user manual, the feature can now be used with the Speedport 7. The router analyzes the Wi-Fi signals to detect if someone is moving around the home with another device.