Abstract

Electromagnetic simulation-based channel modeling is presently considered as a promising option for wireless body area network (WBAN) channel modeling. The benefits of simulation-based channel modeling are obvious: realistic channel characteristics for required environments and situations are provided flexibly and cheaply. In addition, the use of simulation-based channel modeling may overcome several challenges related to the use of measurement data, such as uncertainties and inaccuracies due to cabling, unintentional changes in the position of the test person or the antennas and so on. There are several numerical methods suitable for simulation based-channel modeling, both full-wave and an asymptotic solutions. The choice of the numerical approach depends on the nature of the communication links of the wireless body network being considered. This paper presents a general overview, including recent progress, of the electromagnetic simulation-based WBAN channel modeling techniques. Advantages, disadvantages, and the most appropriate applications are described. Furthermore, the features of the different techniques are compared.