Body area network definition
A body area network is a network of wearable computing devices that are either on or implanted in a person's body. Body area networks monitor bodily functions to provide data for healthcare purposes — for example, they allow healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients, register early warning signs, and manage diseases. Body area network data also plays a role in the fitness industry.
See also: Internet of Medical Things
How body area networks work
Body area networks use multiple interconnected sensors to collect data from different parts of the body. The sensors are typically lightweight, low-power, and designed for continuous monitoring to minimize interference with your daily activities. They can measure parameters such as your heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, and body temperature.
In a typical body area network setup, sensor data is transmitted wirelessly to a central device known as the “coordinator” or “hub.” The coordinator could be a smartphone, a dedicated wearable (like a smartwatch), or even a more complex medical device. The function of the hub is to aggregate, process, and (if necessary) transmit sensor data to other systems for further analysis.
Note that the individual sensor units are rarely connected to the internet directly — instead, they are connected to the controller using Bluetooth or some other short-distance wireless communication method. The controller unit is connected to the internet using a wired connection, Wi-Fi, or even a mobile network.
