Adaptive time synchronization protocol for bans

Abstract

We propose a time synchronization protocol specific for Body Area Networks (BAN). The diversity of hardware on which sensors will be deployed, the need for energy efficiency and the degree of accuracy required by different applications, are constraints that are not always addressed in current synchronization schemes. Using a broadcast message scheme we introduce the ability for the node to decide when to resynchronize, based on a maximum error and the clock drift, which can differ for each type of sensor. The node can therefore, dynamically adapt its synchronization period thus saving energy while keeping accurate. The protocol is designed to support the IEEE 802.15 TG6 guidelines.