A diffusive propagation model for molecular communications: analysis and implementation in NS-3

Abstract

In this research, the analysis and implementation of a diffusive propagation model for molecular communications are performed in NS-3. The work is based on the IEEE 1906.1-2015 standard recommendation, which seeks to create a reference framework for molecular communications. The standard provides a simulation module in NS-3, which contains only the components of the general structure of molecular communication and their interaction between them. The components mentioned are Message Carrier, Motion, Field, Perturbation, and Specificity. The transmitter uses CSK modulation. In the medium, Brownian motion (BM) with and without drift is used for the motion of the molecules, and intersymbol interference is considered. In the receiver, amplitude detection is used. The whole process is applied in four scenarios: Free BM, BM with drift, free BM bounded by the medium, and BM with drift bounded by the medium are considered. As a result, the pulse train of the mean concentration of molecules as a function of time at the receiver is obtained. In addition, the obtained results are compared with an investigation performed in N3Sim to validate the results. Finally, it is validated that the mean concentration at the receiver using the diffusive propagation model implemented complies with the mathematical model established by Fick’s second law.