An Overview of Wireless Body Area Networks for Mobile Health Applications
Brian Cornet, Hua Fang, Hieu Ngo, Edward W. Boyer, Honggang Wang
Abstract
Wireless body area networks (WBANs) are an emerging technology expected to revolutionize mobile healthcare via the real-time monitoring and analysis of medical data. This article describes the generalized WBAN concept and examples of WBAN medical applications for a variety of users and scenarios. The properties of wireless communication channels used in WBANs - specifically the human body communications channel and the 60 GHz Millimeter-wave (mmWave) - highlight the challenges facing modern WBAN development. Several research topics related to WBAN implementation in 5G networks are examined, including simulating extremely high-frequency communications, routing protocols, energy harvesting, tailoring WBANs to individual users, and user satisfaction. Future WBAN developments related to 6G networks and quantum technologies are also explored to demonstrate the potential future of mobile health.