Energy-efficient MAC protocols for wireless body area networks: Survey

In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of recent energy-efficient medium access control (MAC) protocols for wireless body area networks (WBANs) and presents a comparison of the various approaches pursued. At the outset, we outline the crucial attributes for a good MAC. Several sources that contribute to the energy inefficiency are identified. Then, we investigate few MAC protocols devised for WBAN by emphasizing their salient features. As a conclusion, we put forward a number of open research challenges with regard to prospects of medium access techniques and other issues.