Standardization of body area networks

Recent advances in wireless technology have led to the development of wireless body area networks (WBAN), where a set of communicating devices are located around the human body. IEEE 802.15.6 is the Task Group established to develop guideline for using wireless technologies for medical device communications in various healthcare services. The operating scenarios are determined based on the location of the communicating nodes, i.e. implant, body surface and external. The system requirements include extremely low power operation, low weight, and small size, fault tolerant system operation. It should be capable of energy scavenging or battery-less operation with a small form factor for the whole radio, antenna, power supply system. The sensor should have the flexibility necessary to adapt to the user's state and changes in the environment.