Advanced IoT Communication Protocols: Driving Health Science Forward

Abstract: This mini-review synthesizes current communication protocols used in IoT-based healthcare, compares their technical features and healthcare applications, and identifies gaps in scalability, security, and real-time performance. The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing healthcare by enhancing communication and enabling the exchange of real-time data between devices, systems, and healthcare providers. This article examines the crucial role of communication protocols, including Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, NFC, and 5G, in advancing the health sciences. These technologies facilitate remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, smart implants, and medication adherence systems, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes. However, data security, privacy, interoperability, latency, and scalability must be addressed to ensure the successful integration of IoT. The future of IoT in health sciences is bright, with AI, blockchain, and edge computing poised to enhance diagnostics, data security, and decision-making. As IoT continues to evolve, it promises to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and personalized, shaping a healthier future. The review identifies Zigbee and BLE as low-power protocols suited for personal health monitoring, while Wi-Fi and 5G offer high bandwidth for hospital and remote surgical environments.