QoS-Aware Data Dissemination Mechanisms for Wireless Body Area Networks

Abstract

To reduce healthcare costs and improve human well-being, a promising technology known as wireless body area networks (WBANs) has recently emerged. It is comprised of various on-body as well as implanted sensors which seamlessly monitor the physiological characteristics of the human body. The information is heterogeneous in nature, requires different QoS factors. The information may be classified as delay-sensitive, reliability-sensitive, critical, and routine. On-time delivery and minimum losses are the main QoS-factors required to transmit the captured information. Various researchers have work to provide the required QoS, and some have also considered the other constraints due to the characteristics and texture of the human body. In this research work, we have discussed the communication architecture of WBANS along with the various challenges of WBANS. Furthermore, we have classified and discussed the existing QoS-aware data dissemination mechanisms. In the end, a comparative study of existing QoS-aware data dissemination mechanisms highlights the pros and cons of each mechanism.