ISO/IEC 15149-1:2014 specifies the physical layer and media access control layer protocols of wireless network over a magnetic field in a low frequency band (~300 kHz) for wireless communication in harsh environment (around metal, underwater, underground, etc.).

The physical layer protocol is designed for the following scope:

• low carrier frequency for large magnetic field area and reliable communication in harsh environment;
• simple and robust modulation for a low implementation cost and error performance;
• variable coding and bandwidth for a link adaptation.

The media access control layer protocol is designed for the following scope:

• simple and efficient network topology for low power consumption;
• variable superframe structure for compact and efficient data transmission;
• dynamic address assignment for small packet size and efficient address management.

ISO/IEC 15149-1:2014 supports several kbps data transmission in wireless network within a distance of several metres. It can be applied to various services such as the following areas:

• environmental industry to manage pollution levels in soil and water using wireless underground or underwater sensors;
• construction industry to monitor the integrity of buildings and bridges using wireless, inner-corrosion sensors;
• consumer-electronics industry to detect food spoilage in wet, airtight storage areas and transfer the sensing data from the inside to the outside;
• agricultural industry to manage the moisture level as well as mineral status in soil using wireless, buried sensors;
• transportation industry to manage road conditions and traffic information using wireless, underground sensors.