An overview of ETSI TC SmartBAN MAC protocol

Abstract

In this paper we introduce medium access control (MAC) protocol defined by ETSI TC (technical committee) SmartBAN (smart body area network). The key features of the protocol are a two-channel concept with different channels for data and control traffic, and a unique Multi-use Channel Access as one alternative channel access mode. The two-channel concept provides fast channel acquisition and easy Hub to Hub communications. Multi-use Channel Access guarantees for very-low latency emergency messaging for time-critical applications. In addition, Re-use Access mode of the Multi-use Channel Access enables the utilization of the scheduled but unused time slots thus increasing the channel utilization. The protocol is mainly a joint work between Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) at the University of Oulu and Toshiba Research Europe Ltd.