UWB on-body radio propagation and system modelling for wireless body-centric networks

Given the trend towards a user-centric concept in mobile communications, body area networks have received increasing attention within the wireless personal area community. Researchers and designers have been investigating radio propagation characterisation and modelling owing to its importance in developing and designing efficient and reliable radio systems. The paper presents an experimental investigation of ultra-wideband (UWB) on-body radio propagation. Channel models with respect to large scale and delay analysis have been derived from measured parameters. Effects of different antenna types on channel behaviour are also demonstrated. Results and analyses highlight the consequences of changes in body postures and positions in addition to antenna orientations on the communication channels. Measurement data are also used in predicting the performance of potential UWB wireless systems and their applications in body-centric networks. It is indicated that bi-phase modulation for UWB body-centric networks performs better than pulse position modulation systems. The study also concludes that the use of hybrid antenna types for different on-body links will provide better system performance.