UWB channel modelling for wireless body area networks in a hospital

Abstract

This paper describes an experimental study of the ultra wideband (UWB) wireless body area network (WBAN) channel in a hospital environment. The measured data are used to develop statistical models for the channel, which can then be used to design efficient and safe communication networks. WBANs are expected to be used in the healthcare field to enable concepts such as telemedicine. The human body has a complex shape and consists of different tissues. It is then expected that the propagation of the electromagnetic waves near a patient's body will have unique characteristics. In a hospital environment, there are also a variety of electronic devices and specialised medical equipment, which have impact on the electromagnetic propagation. To properly design WBANs is then necessary to have a good understanding of the characteristics of the radio channel in the proximity of the human body within a hospital.