22-02-2013, 12:58 PM
Wireless Body Area Networks
Wireless Body.pdf (Size: 211.87 KB / Downloads: 56)
Abstract
Wireless Body Area Networks are playing an increasingly important role in today’s healthcare. Health monitoring and body-area network (BAN) applications require tetherless connectivity at data rates from a few tens of kbps up to a few Mbps, a range less than 10 m, and operational lifetime from a single battery charge of weeks or months. In addition, cost and size constraints envisioned for short-range applications require low-complexity RF interfaces. The Wireless BAN session consists of the following two parts.
Technical solutions for wireless BANs
Ultra-wideband (UWB) communications systems are poised to play an increasingly important role in today’s short-range communications systems, especially in body area network (BAN) applications. UWB systems have demonstrated greater robustness than traditional narrowband schemes to frequency-selective multipath and interference. The low transmit power of UWB radios extends operating time from a single battery and eases coexistence with existing wireless communication systems. Narrowband radios like Bluetooth low power operating at 2.4 GHz are useful for longer range and higher data rate applications due to the higher transmission power and better propagation around the human body.
Standardization of wireless BANs
The IEEE802.15 Task Group 6 (IEEE802.15.6) is currently developing a BAN communication standard. In Europe, the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) Project eHealth (ETSI EP eHealth) is responsible to collect and define the Health ICT related requirements from relevant stakeholders and to input the requirements to the concerned ETSI Technical Bodies. ETSI identifies gaps, where existing ETSI standards do not fulfill the Health ICT requirements, and suggest further standardization activities to fill those gaps. Coordination with other European and International Standards making bodies is important to avoid duplication of effort.