Abstract:
A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) consists of a large number of randomly deployed sensor nodes which organize themselves into a co-operative network performing the three basic functions of sensing, computations and communications. Research in the area of WSN has become an extensive explorative area during the last few years, especially due to the challenges offered, Healthcare monitoring being one of them. In this tutorial, a thorough, comprehensive study of current technologies and future trends on wearable and implantable Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN), a sub-class of WSN, to provide un-interrupted health monitoring of patients. The importance of WBANs in the medical field is gaining importance in the present area of nuclear families, mainly to assist and take on the role of caretakers. These networks especially play an important role for chronically and terminally ill patients, by providing a ‘shoulder’ to lead a life independently without the constant need of an attendant, besides providing patients the quality care which is of utmost importance, especially for the old and needy.