An Advanced Uwb Channel Model for Body-Centric Wireless Networks

This paper presents a novel ultra wideband (UWB) channel model in the 3-10 GHz range for body-centric wireless communications. The tests are performed in both indoor anechoic chamber environments, addressing on-body and off-body propagation scenarios. The body channel model is extracted by using a single spatial grid over all the body, and by distinguishing between LOS and NLOS condition. The large number and the uniform placement of the receiver locations attempt a representation of the body propagation links more comprehensive than previously published models. The statistical reliability of the model is investigated by applying jointly the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the Akaike criteria. The analysis suggested that the Lognormal model fits the channel amplitude distributions with a percentage ≥ 64%. The on-body indoor channel amplitudes are modeled with a stochastic terms of about 4-5 dB higher than previously published models. Finally, a Negative-Binomial and Inverse Gaussian distribution are used to model the expected number of paths and inter-arrival time, respectively. Based on the results presented in this paper, clear recommendations are given with regards to the optimum statistical distribution of an accurate UWB body-centric radio channel modeling.