On radio signatures to mitigate the MAC addresses randomization for Wi-Fi analytics in real-world scenarios

Abstract

MAC randomization occurs when non-connected Wi-Fi devices continuously change their MAC address to confuse analytics systems. It is a real challenge for building services based on presence, location, and tracking data since the information is useless due to the produced distortion. This contribution aims to mitigate this problem by constructing unique, stable, and reliable identifiers for these non-connected Wi-Fi devices. We propose a new system that builds identifiers based on the Probe Request frames. In addition, we present what is (to the best of our knowledge) the most exhaustive field study on the accuracy of this type of system with real users and real devices in operation. In this study, we compare the hand count performed in a campus building with the count done automatically by our MAC de-randomization system, obtaining an accuracy between 87 and 95%.