QoS-Aware Middleware for WBAN Applications

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) are pivotal in healthcare, lifestyle assistance, and entertainment applications. This paper surveys the landscape of QoS-aware middleware solutions for WBANs, addressing the unique challenges posed by these networks. Key QoS requirements, such as reliability, timeliness, energy efficiency, and security, are outlined. Various middleware architectures, including client-server, mobile agent, tuple space, and service-oriented approaches, are classified based on design criteria such as architecture pattern, platform, network topology, and implementation technology. Key features and representative middleware solutions for each category are discussed. Challenges and open research issues in developing QoS-aware middleware for WBANs are identified. As WBANs continue to revolutionize healthcare and well-being monitoring, innovative middleware designs will play a crucial role in realizing their potential.