A Survey of Different IoMT Protocols for Healthcare Applications

Abstract

The increasing use of wireless technologies in healthcare has provided new opportunities for remote patient monitoring, medical device communication, and electronic health record management. However, choosing the appropriate wireless technology for healthcare applications can be challenging due to their unique advantages and limitations. In this context, the following study explores the applications and limitations of various wireless technologies used in healthcare, including BLE, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Cellular, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and Thread. BLE is commonly used for wireless data transfer from medical devices, remote patient monitoring, and location tracking. Zigbee is used for remote patient monitoring, medical device communication, and home health monitoring. Wi-Fi is used for remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, and electronic health record management. Cellular technology is used for remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, and emergency response. LoRaWAN is used for remote patient monitoring, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring. NB-IoT is used for remote patient monitoring and medical device communication. Thread is used for remote patient monitoring, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring. The study reveals that each wireless technology has its own unique advantages and limitations. For example, BLE has a limited range of up to 10 meters and limited bandwidth, while Zigbee has a range of up to 100 meters and limited bandwidth. Wi-Fi has high power consumption, which may not be suitable for battery-operated medical devices, while Cellular technology also has high power consumption and limited coverage in certain areas. LoRaWAN has limited bandwidth, and NB-IoT coverage may be limited in certain areas. Thread has a limited range and limited bandwidth. Our study recommend that healthcare providers should consider the range, bandwidth, power consumption, and reliability of communication to ensure that the chosen wireless technology meets the requirements of their application.