Nanoscale molecular communication networks: a game-theoretic perspective

Abstract

Currently, communication between nanomachines is an important topic for the development of novel devices. To implement a nanocommunication system, diffusion-based molecular communication is considered as a promising bio-inspired approach. Various technical issues about molecular communications, including channel capacity, noise and interference, and modulation and coding, have been studied in the literature, while the resource allocation problem among multiple nanomachines has not been well investigated, which is a very important issue since all the nanomachines share the same propagation medium. Considering the limited computation capability of nanomachines and the expensive information exchange cost among them, in this paper, we propose a game-theoretic framework for distributed resource allocation in nanoscale molecular communication systems. We first analyze the inter-symbol and inter-user interference, as well as bit error rate performance, in the molecular communication system. Based on the interference analysis, we formulate the resource allocation problem as a non-cooperative molecule emission control game, where the Nash equilibrium is found and proved to be unique. In order to improve the system efficiency while guaranteeing fairness, we further model the resource allocation problem using a cooperative game based on the Nash bargaining solution, which is proved to be proportionally fair. Simulation results show that the Nash bargaining solution can effectively ensure fairness among multiple nanomachines while achieving comparable social welfare performance with the centralized scheme.

Nanosensors for a Monitoring System in Intelligent and Active Packaging

“…The nanocommunication refers to the exchange of information between NM, which can be done through nanomechanical, acoustic, electromagnetic, and chemical or molecular mass communication [20]. Wireless communication, the process of collecting energy, and limited computer resources are the main features that guide the design of protocols and architectures WNSNs [21].…”

Novel frequency domain equalization with threshold for molecular communication

“…This standard model was initially examined in biological science since it is effectively incorporated in nature by cells for intra-cellular and inter-cellular correspondence [1]. Diffusion-based communication arises as one of the most promising solutions for the communication mechanism between nano-scale devices for its inherent compatibility with living organism and biochemical devices, e.g., pheromone propagation in the air between insects [2] or calcium signaling among living cells [3]. The interest in MC is for applications in a diverse number of fields, including biological engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring [1].…”

“…The transmitter takes the data bits and modulates them to a chemical signal by a device which then emits the chemical molecules into the channel. At the receiver side, the receiver counts the molecules through the sensor and accumulates the number of absorbed molecules during each time slot [3]. The number of absorbed molecules during each time slot is compared with a predetermined threshold for demodulation.…”

“…Inter-symbol interference (ISI) is a major problem that is caused by diffusion. Some of the carrier molecules may be unsuccessful to reach the receiver in their anticipated time period and may interfere with data molecules in a consequent symbol period [3]. For molecular communication systems a higher data rate and better efficiency is being demanded though it is limited by noise and ISI.…”

“…Currently research for ISI in MC has been focused on time domain equalization (TDE) [3]. As it is known that, in nano communication systems, a simple and miniature-scale equipment is needed [1].…”