Analysis of MAC Protocols for Real-Time Monitoring of Heart and Respiratory Signals

Wireless sensor networks have several appealing medical applications. The deployment of wireless technologies in the medical field imposes several considerations on the choice of communication methods, protocols, wireless technologies, and type of devices. One of the most challenging problems is the choice of the best medium access control protocol in order to resolve problems such as the correlation of traffic, heavy collisions, and free channel recognition. Real-Time monitoring of heart and respiratory signals has gained increasing attention in the last few decades, as there is more interest in continuous monitoring of heart activity which can significantly improve early detection of heart problems. This paper suggests a Multi Attribute Decision Making (MADM) methodology [1], [2] in order to study, analyze and recommend the most optimum protocol for the purpose of heart monitoring. The aim of this approach is to rank existing alternatives, according to several attributes that are often inconsistent.