Overview & Scope

The project P802.15.6ma is a revision of the standard IEEE 802.15.6^TM–2012 Wireless Body Area Networks (BANs) to update and assist new use cases while increasing the dependability support by such standard.

P802.15.6ma aims to enhance the dependability of Human Body Area Networks (HBAN) use cases, and it adds support for Vehicle Body Area Networks (VBAN) use cases.

The revision enhances the Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Physical Layer (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layer to support higher dependability of HBANs and VBANs applications in high-density scenarios while coexisting with other wireless systems operating in the UWB band.

Target areas of enhancement include protection against interference from BANs systems (intra-interference) and other wireless systems (inter-interference) operating within transmission range in the UWB band. A simple and more reliable MAC protocol compared to IEEE 802.15.6^TM–2012.

Other areas of enhancement include mechanisms to support higher performance, security, coexistence, and efficiency in the operation and maintenance of HBANs and VBANs. Also, the enhancement of interoperability with other wireless systems and infrastructure protocols.

The revision P802.15.6ma will provide an international standard for short-range, low power, secure, and highly reliable wireless communication system for use in proximity to or on the human body or vehicle body. Technical features offer to satisfy an evolutionary set of entertainment, autonomous control, and healthcare services.

TG6ma Documents

• TG6a documents are available on the IEEE 802.15 Mentor archive.


• Project Authorization Request PAR.


• Technical Requirements Document TRD.


• Channel Models Document TBD.


• Call for Proposals TBD.


• Specification Framework Document TBD.

TG6ma Sessions

TG6a meets during 802.15 Plenary and Interim meetings and TG6a ad hoc meetings.

• 802.15 meetings schedule.


• 802.15 meetings calendar.


• TG6a meeting agendas are available on the IEEE 802.15 Mentor archive.


• TG6a meeting closing reports are available on the IEEE 802.15 Mentor archive.


• TG6a meeting minutes are available on the IEEE 802.15 Mentor archive.

TG6ma Timeline

• TG formation: September 2021


• Use cases, Technical Requirements Docs: July 2022


• Call for proposals: September 2022


• Specification Framework Document: November 2022


• Draft Specification: January 2023


• 802.15 WG Letter ballot: March 2023


• IEEE SA Sponsor ballot: July 2023


• RevCom approval: December 2023

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