WBAN in-Body Channel: Dielectric Perspective

Abstract

The next generation of wireless systems is sprouting towards personal area networks. Among them, a very promising application is the Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) used for health monitoring and ubiquitous computing. Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication is one of the potential transmission techniques for wireless networks. To optimize receiver structures and antennas for UWB-WBANs with respect to energy efficiency and complexity, the distinct features of the body area network channel have to be considered. Consequently, it is necessary to know the propagation mechanisms in the human body. In this paper, we limit ourselves to dielectric properties affecting transmission of electromagnetic wave through human body. We especially focus on the link through the human body and mull over the direct transmission of electromagnetic wave as possible propagation mechanisms. We demonstrate theoretically and by compilation of dielectric properties, which were performed in the frequency range between 0.013–3.0 GHz, that the human body is a big shadowing contributor in body area network (WBAN) radio systems due to strong attenuation. Dielectric properties also change with frequency as made known by compilation. These results hold up the significance of channel characterization.