Improving QoS for ECG Data Transmission with Enhanced Admission Control in EDCA-Based WLANs

Medical sensor devices, such as ECG, handle life-critical information, which have to be transmitted to remote monitoring servers in a timely manner. We propose a new approach to improve QoS of ECG data transmission when these devices are deployed in home or healthcare facility supported by EDCA-based WLANs. First, we analyze real-time data from wireless ECG devices to investigate their QoS requirements, and convert them to a real-time model with (m, k)´-firm deadlines. Second, we propose a new admission control mechanism to protect real-time ECG data transmission from other traffic initiating from non-medical applications. Finally, we propose our solution to cope with potential adverse effects from co-existence with the legacy DCF-based wireless stations.