BatNet: Data transmission between smartphones over ultrasound

In this paper, we present BatNet, a data transmission mechanism using ultrasound signals over the built-in speakers and microphones of smartphones. Using phase shift keying with an 8-point constellation and frequencies between 20–24kHz, it can transmit data at over 600bit/s up to 6m. The target application is a censorship-resistant mesh network. We also evaluated it for Covid contact tracing but concluded that in this application ultrasonic communications do not appear to offer enough advantage over Bluetooth Low Energy to be worth further development.