Abstract
The increasing interest and the constant miniaturization of intelligent wireless sensor based devices have empowered the development of Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs). Recent evolution in wearable and implantable sensors and rapid growth in the low power, energy efficient and short range wireless communication technologies are enabling the implementation of WBANs. The design of these networks requires the new protocols with respect to those used in general purpose wireless sensor networks. This survey paper aims at reporting an overview of the concept of WBANs with applications, characteristics, hardware design issues and supporting short range radio technologies and standards. A brief overview of the existing and past projects is also discussed. Finally, this article highlights some of the design challenges and open research issues that still need to be addressed to make WBANs truly ubiquitous for a wide range of applications.