Cited by 811Wireless Body Area NetworksMolecular Communication and NanonetworksWireless Communication Security Techniques

A Comprehensive Survey of Wireless Body Area Networks: On PHY, MAC, and Network Layers Solutions

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Ullah, Sana, Higgins, Henry, Braem, Bart, Latre, Benoit, Blondia, Chris, Moerman, Ingrid, Saleem, Shahnaz, Rahman, Ziaur +1 more·2012·Journal of Medical Systems

Abstract

Recent advances in microelectronics and integrated circuits, system-on-chip design, wireless communication and intelligent low-power sensors have allowed the realization of a Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN). A WBAN is a collection of low-power, miniaturized, invasive/non-invasive lightweight wireless sensor nodes that monitor the human body functions and the surrounding environment. In addition, it supports a number of innovative and interesting applications such as ubiquitous healthcare, entertainment, interactive gaming, and military applications. In this paper, the fundamental mechanisms of WBAN including architecture and topology, wireless implant communication, low-power Medium Access Control (MAC) and routing protocols are reviewed. A comprehensive study of the proposed technologies for WBAN at Physical (PHY), MAC, and Network layers is presented and many useful solutions are discussed for each layer. Finally, numerous WBAN applications are highlighted.

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Authors
Ullah, S., Higgins, H., Braem, B., Latre, B., Blondia, C., Moerman, I., Saleem, S., Rahman, Z., & Kwak, K. S.
Affiliations
  • Inha University (KR)
  • Tokamak Energy (United Kingdom) (GB)
  • University of Antwerp (BE)
  • Ghent University (BE)
  • Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KR)
Corresponding author
Saleem, Shahnaz
Venue
Journal of Medical Systems
Published
2010-08-19
Volume
36
Issue
3
Pages
1065-1094
ISSN
  • 0148-5598 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-689X
OpenAlex
W1523228572
Cited by
811
References
77
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 31 · 2021: 59 · 2020: 64 · 2019: 61 · 2018: 69 · 2017: 80 · 2016: 77 · 2015: 74 · 2014: 77 · 2013: 61 · 2012: 50
FWCI
27.43
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Medical Systems (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Wireless Body Area Networks
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Molecular Communication and Nanonetworks
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Wireless Communication Security Techniques
Keywords
wireless body area networks, wireless sensor nodes, low-power sensors, network topology, medium access control, routing protocols, physical layer, ubiquitous healthcare
MeSH terms
Computer Communication Networks, Equipment Design, Humans, Monitoring, Physiologic, Human Body, Prostheses and Implants, Remote Sensing Technology, Wireless Technology

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