System-level modelling of optimal ultra wideband body-centric wireless network

Given the trend towards a user-centric concept in mobile communications, body area networks have received increasing attention within the wireless personal area community. Ultra wideband (UWB) radio channel propagation model with the inclusion of dynamic body environment is derived and applied to investigate the performance of potential radio systems to be used in body area networks. System-level modelling of potential UWB impulse radio is conducted and system performance is measured using bit error rate (BER) and signal-to-noise ratio parameters corresponding to modulation techniques such as pulse position modulation and bi-phase modulation. Impact of movements on system performance is investigated and degradation in system performance due to movements shows the importance of considering the dynamic channel statistics when designing optimal UWB system for body-centric wireless communications.