A Survey of IEEE 802.15.6: Body Area Networks

Abstract

Recent advancements in wireless communication and integrated circuits have facilitated the deployment of Body Area Network (BAN) devices around the human body. These devices, known as Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) devices, play a crucial role in ubiquitous health systems by monitoring and identifying diseases within the human body. This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of WBANs, including an examination of attack types, communication architecture, design considerations, and security protocols. By understanding these key aspects, researchers and practitioners can gain valuable insights into the development and deployment of WBAN systems, thereby enhancing healthcare monitoring and disease identification capabilities. The paper emphasizes the significance of security measures, such as encryption, authentication, access control, and secure key management, in safeguarding sensitive medical data. Moreover, it delves into the design aspects of WBAN devices, focusing on factors like power consumption, size, comfort, and wearability. Additionally, the paper explores communication protocols and architectures used in WBANs, addressing concerns related to data transmission efficiency, energy consumption, and quality of service (QoS). By optimizing these aspects, WBANs can ensure reliable and timely data transfer, improving overall network performance. Through a comprehensive analysis of WBANs, this research paper contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field, offering valuable insights for the design, development, and secure implementation of WBAN systems in healthcare settings.