Wireless Body Area Networks and Their Applications—A Review

Abstract

In this paper, a comprehensive review of the wireless body area network is provided. A review of the WBAN architectures, standard network topologies, and WBAN communication protocols is discussed in detail. Also, the security requirements of WBAN, security threats and types of attacks, and authentications used in WBAN are discussed. The paper also includes very detailed coverage of antenna types, antenna designs, and flexible antennas used in WBAN with some design considerations and comparisons. Some new energy harvesting technologies, materials used for energy harvesting, and energy management are also discussed. Energy harvesting and power management is an ever-growing area of research. Despite the fact that there are many nanogenerator-based energy harvesting methods, the demand for more efficient energy harvesting mechanisms is ever-increasing. The paper has an extensive discussion of energy harvesting and power management methods. Subsequently, some reviews of recent developments in wearable sensors and novel materials for developing wearable sensors are discussed. Finally, the application areas of WBAN are discussed INDEX TERMS Body area network, network security, wireless communication protocols, wearable sensors, energy harvesting, WBAN, flexible sensors, IoT.

Multiband Elliptical Patch Octagon Antenna With And Without Proximity Coupling

“…A microstrip patch antenna array (2x2, 4x4, and 8x8) with an etched ground structure and a slotted patch in the semi-elliptical shape is suggested in order to meet 5G specifications (Goshu et al, 2022). A paper addressing antenna types, designs and flexible antennas utilized in WBAN with certain design implications and contrasts was proposed by researchers (Preethichandra et al, 2023). The researchers proposed strips with arc shape (Andhe and Reddy, 2022) and split ring complimentary resonators (Andhe and Reddy, 2021) with band-notched characteristics to increase the gain and radiation efficiency.…”

Dissecting wireless body area networks routing protocols: Classification, comparative analysis, and research challenges

“…WBANs can be valuable for farm workers 31,32 as well, who often come across physically demanding tasks and exposure to various environmental conditions. WBANs worn by farmers could observe their health and safety, tracking factors like body temperature, heart rate, and exposure to harmful chemicals or extreme temperatures.…”

Access Control, Key Management, and Trust for Emerging Wireless Body Area Networks

“…The authors revealed that quantum technology is a promising technology that will use in future technology to generate keys within medical sensors in WBANs. The authors of [ 39 ] reviewed WBAN applications and technologies that cover security, antennas, Energy Harvesting, and power management.…”

“…Despite the number of useful surveys and review papers in the area of WBAN [ 3 , 20 , 23 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ], the need remains for a survey with a strong focus on security, privacy, and trust. Such a survey should include an investigation on WBAN background and architectures, as well as a general system model to help identify and present a relevant summary of specific future directions and open issues, including access control, key management, and trust, to meet the requirements required by the WBAN application.…”