Smart Spectrum Switching in Wireless Body Area Networks

Wireless Body Area Network (WBANs) would benefit reasonable after the introduction of mmWaves in the communication. The high frequency spectrum can enhance channel capacity and reduce the package area. It however makes the communication link susceptible to noise interference. As the noise level increases, it restricts the use of mmWave spectrum for high SNR level applications. The paper proposes a method of spectrum switching to tap into advantages of mmWave only when necessary thus minimizing the drawbacks on the overall performance. The hybrid approach of using multiple spectrum exploits the characteristics of high channel capacity and high noise immunity which are found at the extreme ends of the spectrum. This paper compares different threshold parameters to conclude SNR as a more reliable factor. We develop an algorithm based on this threshold and simulate spectrum switching from 5 GHz to 60 GHz where the User Equipment is in constant motion over a range of 100 m. We present the graphical results of variance of SNR, Friis model for path loss and numerically prove a significant increase in the average channel capacity using Shannon's theorem while maintaining SNR above the threshold limit. The paper also presents the challenges reflected by this spectrum switching on the supporting parameters like directivity, energy consumption and beamforming array structures.