Performance analysis of a compact robotic tele-echography E-health system over terrestrial and mobile communication links

Abstract

In this work, we present a comparative performance analysis of an end-to-end robotic tele-echography system using two means of communication links; satellite and mobile (GPRS and UMTS) links. The functional modalities of the system in terms of the delay, total throughput and the jitter has been investigated, showing the capabilities and limitations of each communication link. The effect of concurrent and asynchronous system data transmission have been studied. The transmission of still and stream of ultrasound images investigated under different network conditions, has been simulated and studied on a real network. The limitation of the GPRS network with respect to the other communication links options, has been verified and analysed. The outcome of the study shows that the UMTS network is a promising communication link for the OTELO system.