ABSTRACT
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 144 Basic Aspects of Wireless Data Transmission ......................................................................... 145
Generic Data Transmission Chain ....................................................................................... 145 Link Budget Calculation........................................................................................................ 146 Useful Evaluation Parameters .............................................................................................. 147
Building Blocks and Parameters ............................................................................................... 149 Physical Parameters ............................................................................................................... 149
Transmission Frequency ................................................................................................... 149 Transmission Power .......................................................................................................... 151
Modulation and Coding ........................................................................................................ 153 Multiplex and Use of Spectrum ........................................................................................... 154
Single Carrier Data Transmission.................................................................................... 155 Spread Spectrum Data Transmission (DSSS/FHSS) .................................................... 156 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex.................................................................... 158
System Examples for AAL-WHANs ........................................................................................ 159 Overview on Available Communication System Concepts and Standards Relevant to AAL ..................................................................................................................... 159 IEEE 802.15.4 (DSSS) .............................................................................................................. 160
IEEE 802.15.4-2.4 GHz PHY ............................................................................................. 161 IEEE 802.15.4-868 MHz PHY ........................................................................................... 163 IEEE 802.15.4 Frame Formats and MAC Characteristics ............................................. 165
Konnex-RF (SC) ...................................................................................................................... 166 Konnex-RF PHY ................................................................................................................. 166 Konnex-RF Frame Formats and MAC Characteristics ................................................. 168
Bluetooth LE (FHSS) .............................................................................................................. 169 Bluetooth LE PHY ............................................................................................................. 169 Bluetooth LE Frame Formats and MAC Characteristics ............................................. 171
Comparison of Concepts and Performance with Respect to AAL Requirements ........ 172 Indoor Coverage Range .................................................................................................... 173 Evaluation of AAL Scenario Flat ..................................................................................... 175
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 177 References ..................................................................................................................................... 178
ABSTRACT This chapter gives an overview on the physical characteristics of wireless data transmission in the field of ambient assisted living (AAL). The evaluations focus on wireless home networks that can be used for transmission of sensor and control data for AAL applications. In this field, several technologies compete with each other, and a trend to a de facto standard is not noticeable.