Channel estimation and transmit power control in wireless body area networks. (1st February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Franco, Fabio; Tachtatzis, Christos; Atkinson, Robert C.; Tinnirello, Ilenia; Glover, Ian A.
• Is Part Of: IET wireless sensor systems. Volume 5:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2015-02-01
• Subjects: channel estimation -- body sensor networks -- patient monitoring -- minimisation -- telecommunication control -- wireless channels; channel estimation -- power control transmission -- wireless body area networks -- remote patient monitoring -- energy minimisation -- energy expenditure -- frame retransmission minimisation -- IEEE 802.15.6 networks -- beacon mode -- superframe boundaries -- power measurements -- reverse channel gain -- power fluctuations; Wireless sensor networks -- Periodicals; 681.2
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-wss.2013.0070
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2043-6386

Abstract

Abstract : Wireless body area networks have recently received much attention because of their application to assisted living and remote patient monitoring. For these applications, energy minimisation is a critical issue since, in many cases, batteries cannot be easily replaced or recharged. Reducing energy expenditure by avoiding unnecessary high transmission power and minimising frame retransmissions is therefore crucial. In this study, a transmit power control scheme suitable for IEEE 802.15.6 networks operating in beacon mode with superframe boundaries is proposed. The transmission power is modulated, frame‐by‐frame, according to a run‐time estimation of the channel conditions. Power measurements using the beacon frames are made periodically, providing reverse channel gain and an opportunistic fade margin, set on the basis of prior power fluctuations, is added. This approach allows tracking of the highly variable on‐body to on‐body propagation channel without the need to transmit additional probe frames. An experimental study based on test cases demonstrates the effectiveness of the scheme and compares its performance with alternative solutions presented in the literature.