A multiple access protocol for UWB wireless body area networks (WBANs) with narrowband feedback path

Abstract

This paper focuses on design and performance of a multiple access protocol for an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) based Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN). The proposed WBAN consists of wearable sensor nodes which communicate with a coordinator node using a UWB transmitter and receive a feedback from the coordinator using a narrowband receiver. Advantages of using a narrowband signal instead of a UWB signal for the feedback path are discussed. The proposed MAC (Medium Access Control) protocol is based on IEEE 802.15.4/4a beacon enabled star topology. Performance is analyzed by varying the number of sensors. A comparison is given between suggested MAC protocol, which uses both slotted ALOHA and GTS, and a protocol totally based on slotted ALOHA.