IEEE 802.15.6 (Body Area Networks)
artifact
An official standard now treats the human body as an approved wire for carrying digital data.
Who they are
IEEE 802.15.6, a wireless standard for Body Area Networks, ratified in 2012.
What they do
It defines networks worn on or in the body, including a mode that uses the body itself as the communication channel.
How it works
Its Human Body Communication layer uses human tissue as a capacitive medium operating at 5-50 MHz, sending data through the body and officially classifying human anatomy as a regulated conduit for digital data transfer.
Why it matters
It is the standard that turns the human body into an addressable network hub, making flesh an information-technology pipe.
The engine's record — word for word
Ratified 2012, ongoing amendments. Defines Wireless Body Area Networks including Human Body Communication (HBC) PHY layer. HBC uses the physical human body as capacitive communication medium operating at 5-50 MHz. Data transferred wirelessly using human tissue as transmission route. Officially categorizes human anatomy as a ratified regulated conduit for digital data transfer. Transforms the biological actor into an addressable network hub. The standard that makes tissue an IT conduit.
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