Abstract
In this paper, we present an accurate and realistic simulation for body area networks (BAN) and body-to-body networks (BBN) using deterministic and semi-deterministic approaches. First, in the semi-deterministic approach, a real-time measurement campaign is performed, which is further characterized through statistical analysis. It is able to generate link-correlated and time-varying realistic traces (i.e., with consistent mobility patterns) for on-body and body-to-body shadowing and fading, including body orientations and rotations, by means of stochastic channel models. The full deterministic approach is particularly targeted to enhance IEEE 802.15.6 proposed channel models by introducing space and time variations (i.e., dynamic distances) through biomechanical modeling. In addition, it helps to accurately model the radio link by identifying the link types and corresponding path loss factors for line of sight (LOS) and non-line of sight (NLOS). This approach is particularly important for links that vary over time due to mobility. It is also important to add that the communication and protocol stack, including the physical (PHY), medium access control (MAC) and networking models, is developed for BAN and BBN, and the IEEE 802.15.6 compliance standard is provided as a benchmark for future research works of the community. Finally, the two approaches are compared in terms of the successful packet delivery ratio, packet delay and energy efficiency. The results show that the semi-deterministic approach is the best option; however, for the diversity of the mobility patterns and scenarios applicable, biomechanical modeling and the deterministic approach are better choices.
Highlights
With the continuous exponential rise of wearable devices and applications, it is anticipated that by 2019, there will be more than 150 million wearable devices worldwide [1]
To meet the requirements of the emerging new applications, this work presents a complete all-in-one package for modeling and evaluating body area networks and body-to-body networks. This includes realistic channel models based on a measurement campaign for both BAN and BBN, IEEE 802.15.6 standard-complaint modulation, path loss, radio link models at the physical layer, carrier sense multiple access collision avoidance (CSMA/CA), scheduled access medium access control (MAC) protocols, as well as random channel and time-shared co-channel interference strategies, which are evaluated and are available at the MAC layer
The baseline IEEE 802.15.6 MAC is enhanced by using models with temporal variations and average path losses based on real-body measurements [56]
Summary
With the continuous exponential rise of wearable devices and applications, it is anticipated that by 2019, there will be more than 150 million wearable devices worldwide [1]. To develop analytical expressions for diverse BAN applications (having space and time channel variations, dynamic mobility patterns and varying radio links), the resultant models are highly complex and difficult to develop [9] Another approach is to execute measurement campaigns by deploying various antennas on the body to communicate between sensors and coordinating device [6,7,8]. To meet the requirements of the emerging new applications, this work presents a complete all-in-one package for modeling and evaluating body area networks and body-to-body networks This includes realistic channel models based on a measurement campaign for both BAN and BBN, IEEE 802.15.6 standard-complaint modulation, path loss, radio link models at the physical layer, carrier sense multiple access collision avoidance (CSMA/CA), scheduled access MAC protocols, as well as random channel and time-shared co-channel interference strategies, which are evaluated and are available at the MAC layer. BAN-specific frameworks are explored, and a summary is presented to highlight the limitations
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