The comparative performance of mobile telemedical systems based on the IS-54 and GSM cellular telephone standards

The performance of mobile telemedical communications links based on the IS-54 and GSM cellular telephone standards (the most widely used commercial systems in North America and Europe, respectively) was studied by computer simulations. A photoplethysmography signal was used to investigate the transmission of medical data over simulated mobile phone channels. Various conditions were simulated in the communications path between a mobile transmitter and receiver, from perfect to distorted conditions. The results showed successful transmission, with bit error rates of better than 10(-7) at the receiver for the IS-54 standard. The performance of the IS-54 standard was superior to that of GSM in terms of minimum path delay variations, especially in built-up (urban) areas.