A Synchronization Protocol for Multi-User Cell Signaling-Based Molecular Communication

Abstract

Molecular Communications (MC) networks comprise multiple devices performing coordinated complex tasks, such as detecting types of cancer and smart drug delivery. Signaling-based MC uses molecules as information carriers between signaling cells. In this context, synchronization is jointly paramount and challenging since the system must overcome the limitation of molecular propagation to make sure computationally deprived bio-devices can communicate. On top of that, a multi-user increases this system challenges as possible co-channel interference causes errors or failures. Bio-devices present severe computational and communication limitations, being this last one essentially unidirectional. This paper presents the first synchronization protocol between signaling cells for multi-user MC. Results have shown the convergence time concerning different network sizes from 12 to 60 nodes.