Abstract
In this paper, subject-specific narrowband (2.45 GHz) and ultra-wideband (3–10.6 GHz) on-body radio propagation studies in wireless body area networks (WBANs) were performed by characterizing the path loss for eight different human subjects of different shapes and sizes. The body shapes and sizes of the test subjects used in this study are characterised as thin, medium build, fatty, shorter, average height and taller. Experimental investigation was made in an indoor environment using a pair of printed monopoles (for the narrowband case) and a pair of tapered slot antennas (for the ultra-wideband (UWB) case). Results demonstrated that, due to the different sizes, heights and shapes of the test subjects, the path loss exponent value varies up to maximum of 0.85 for the narrowband on-body case, whereas a maximum variation of the path loss exponent value of 1.15 is noticed for the UWB case. In addition, the subject-specific behaviour of the on-body radio propagation channels was compared between narrowband and UWB systems, and it was deduced that the on-body radio channels are subject-specific for both narrowband and UWB system cases, when the same antennas (same characteristics) are used. The effect of the human body shape and size variations on the eight different on-body radio channels is also studied for both the narrowband and UWB cases.
Highlights
In body-centric wireless networks, various units/sensors are scattered on/around the human body to measure specified physiological data, as in patient monitoring for healthcare applications [1].A body-worn base station will receive the medical data measured by the sensors located on/around the human body
A comparison of the on-body radio channels subject specificity between narrowband and UWB is required in order to specify which technology is more subject-specific
At lower communication distances between the Tx and Rx, the path loss value for UWB on-body radio channels is found to be higher compared with the narrowband case
Summary
In body-centric wireless networks, various units/sensors are scattered on/around the human body to measure specified physiological data, as in patient monitoring for healthcare applications [1]. No experimental studies have been performed yet in the literature for subject-specific behaviour, either by using narrowband or UWB systems. A thorough investigation and analysis of subject-specific on-body radio propagation channels for a wider number of people with different shapes, sizes and heights both in narrowband and UWB systems are required. Potential narrowband and ultra-wideband (UWB) body-centric wireless networks need to provide efficient and reliable communication channels. Subject-specific narrowband (2.45 GHz) and ultra-wideband (3–10.6 GHz) on-body radio propagation studies in wireless body area networks (WBANs) were performed by characterising the path loss for eight different human subjects (male) of different shapes, sizes and heights. 3–10 GHz. In addition to this, comparison between narrowband and ultra-wideband on-body radio propagation channel subject-specificity is discussed.
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