In this paper, we investigate the Internet of bio-nano things (IoBNT) which pertains to networks formed bymolecular communications. By providing a means of communica-tion through the ubiquitously connected blood vessels (arteries,veins, and capillarie...
In this paper, we investigate the Internet of bio-nano things (IoBNT) which pertains to networks formed bymolecular communications. By providing a means of communica-tion through the ubiquitously connected blood vessels (arteries,veins, and capillaries), molecular communication-based IoBNTenables a host of new eHealth applications. For example, an organmonitoring sensor can transfer internal body signals through theIoBNT to health-monitoring applications. We empirically showthat blood vessel channels introduce a new set of challenges inthe design of molecular communication systems in comparison tofree-space channels. Then, we propose cylindrical duct channelmodels and discuss the corresponding system designs conformingto the channel characteristics. Furthermore, based on prototypeimplementations, we confirm that molecular communicationtechniques can be utilized for composing the IoBNT. We believethat the promising results presented in this work, together withthe rich research challenges that lie ahead, are strong indicatorsthat IoBNT with molecular communications can drive novelapplications for emerging eHealth systems.