BAN

Introduction
A BAN (body area network) or a WBAN (wireless body area network) is a wireless n/w of the wearable computing device. These devices may be placed in the human body or surface mounted on the human body in a particular position. The growth of attention in wearable technologies such as glasses, watches has meant an improved focus on wireless networking. The term BAN (body area networks) have been invented to refer to the wireless network technology used in combination with wearables. The main purpose of these networks is to transmit data produced by wearable devices at outside to a WLAN or the Internet. In some cases, wearables can also exchange the data directly with each other.

Concept
The rapid growth in physiological sensors, low-power integrated circuits, and wireless communication has enabled a new generation of wireless sensor networks, now used for purposes such as monitoring traffic, crops, infrastructure, and health. The body area network field is an interdisciplinary area which could allow inexpensive and continuous health monitoring with real-time updates of medical records through the Internet. A number of intelligent physiological sensors can be integrated into a wearable wireless body area network, which can be used for computer-assisted rehabilitation or early detection of medical conditions. This area relies on the feasibility of implanting very small biosensors inside the human body that are comfortable and that don't impair normal activities. The implanted sensors in the human body will collect various physiological changes in order to monitor the patient's health status no matter their location. The information will be transmitted wirelessly to an external processing unit. This device will instantly transmit all information in real time to the doctors throughout the world. If an emergency is detected, the physicians will immediately inform the patient through the computer system by sending appropriate messages or alarms. Currently the level of information provided and energy resources capable of powering the sensors are limiting. While the technology is still in its primitive stage it is being widely researched and once adopted, is expected to be a breakthrough invention in healthcare, leading to concepts like telemedicine and mHealth becoming real.

Applications
Initial applications of BANs are expected to appear primarily in the healthcare domain, especially for continuous monitoring and logging vital parameters of patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma and heart attacks. Other applications of this technology include sports, military, or security. Extending the technology to new areas could also assist communication by seamless exchanges of information between individuals, or between individual and machines.
 * A BAN network in place on a patient can alert the hospital, even before they have a heart attack, through measuring changes in their vital signs.
 * A BAN network on a diabetic patient could auto inject insulin through a pump, as soon as their insulin level declines.

Standart
The latest international standard for BANs is the IEEE 802.15.6 standard.