Dual mode switched parasitic antenna for on/off body communication channels

A dual mode, hexagonal patch, switched parasitic array is presented for off-body and on-body communications at the same time. The position of the feed excites two modes (TM₁₁ and TM₀₁) and the antenna resonates at 2.4 and 5 GHz simultaneously. When positioned on the chest, the parasitic elements create a controlled narrow beam off axis and a broad beam on axis simultaneously. The off-axis beam (2.4 GHz) can be used for over body communication while the 5 GHz pattern is suitable for off-body communications link to a data center or wireless receiver.