ETSI SmartBAN Vision on the use of Visible Light Communications in Body Area Networks

Body Area Networks (BANs) have emerged as a crucial technology for continuous physiological data collection and communication between wearable sensors and external devices. The limitations of traditional radio frequency (RF) communications in BANs have led researchers to explore visible light communication (VLC) as a promising alternative. VLC offers non-ionizing properties, making it safe for human use, unlike RF waves at higher frequency bands. This paper highlights the potential of VLC in revolutionizing healthcare monitoring within BANs and emphasizes the importance of this technology in enhancing the performance and reliability of healthcare applications. Furthermore, it discusses the standardization activities of ETSI SmartBAN, showcasing its vision for the use of VLC technology for future healthcare and wellness applications.