A new look at the body area network channel model

A new approach to compare models for body area networks (BAN) that accommodates multiple links and multiple subjects is presented. The absolute measure described allows comparison across a spectrum of possible characterizations; ranging from single-parameter for an entire ensemble, through to per-activity, per-subject and per-link based parameterized models. The use of an explicit trade-off between error and complexity, combined in a goodness-of-fit measure, is shown to have important consequences when applied to a range of typical BAN channel data. It is shown that there are different implications in choice of model, and it's associated complexity, for mixed-activity everyday data, when compared with set-activity dynamic data (e.g. walking). The deficiency of mean path loss, or even median path loss measures, as a sole characterization of the BAN channel is also highlighted.