A schema for the selection of network topology for Wireless Body Area Networks

Abstract

A topology governs the logical connectivity between the nodes in the network. Development of Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) requires applying tailored technologies to countermeasure the effects of wireless propagation while satisfying constrains imposed by hardware. Important part of this process is topology selection as it affects the development of the entire network protocol stack. For example, use of a star or point-to-point topology removes the need for using routing as required by other topologies such as mesh. Therefore in this paper we propose a novel method of topology selection for BANs that we refer to as a topology selection schema. The schema identifies and discusses a broad range of parameters that should be considered in topology selection and then proposes a topology selection schema. The schema determines the values of those parameters by comparing them against a given set of assumptions on the use of the network, e.g. use case scenario, environmental conditions, device and traffic related parameters. Then it reduces them into a set of concise parameters, which can be easily used to assess the suitability of given topologies.