An IEEE 802.15.6 MAC layer implementation for secured wireless body area networks

• Main Authors: Benolirao, John Adriel T., De Joya, Anton Jaie H., Lim, Isaac M., Osayta, Lois Klaryze T.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Body area networks (Electronics); Body area networks (Electronics) > Security measures; Computer Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/6398
• Institution: De La Salle University

The new type of network architecture known as wireless body area networks (WBANs), uses body sensors to collect periodic and continuous data from the human body, which it sends to a central server, thus making it possible to monitor the vital information of patients such as ECG, blood sugar, temperature, heart rate, etc in real time. WBAN technologies allow remote monitoring, which allows medical experts to efficiently provide feedback and immediate response to its patients' needs. This particularly benefits those undergoing chronic disease management and aging population. Several WBAN implementation were based on IEEE 802.15.4 (WPAN) because of its short-range requirement and low-power specifications. Recently (in 2012), IEEE released the IEEE 802.15.6 which defines standards for the PHY and MAC layer of WBANs in body monitoring applications. It aims to provide the requirements of body area networks such as higher data rates, lower power consumption, data security, and quality of service (QoS). In terms of the MAC layer, the WBAN and WPAN primarily differ in their frame structure and communication protocols. WPAN requires CSMA/CA and TDMA while WBAN uses CSMA/CA or Slotted Aloha as its fundamental schemes. Recent implementation on WBAN commonly consider communication protocols, data rate and QoS without considering the effect of data security in achieving a low power system. This work investigates a WBAN system with a slotted aloha-based communication protocol that incorporates security features established by the IEEE 802.15.6. Simulation and implementation will be performed to characterize the communication protocol and evaluate mainly its power consumption and throughput respectively.