Analysis of the Molecular Physical Layer’s Tasks

The previous chapters defined molecular communications (MCs) and their operation principles based on network layered models. An important difference regarding traditional communication models is that MCs deal with the interconnection of biological entities, with different limitations and requirements compared with conventional network devices. Thus, this chapter analyzes MC systems and their physical parameters to send, propagate, and receive information and also examines the physical components (nanomachines, bio-nanomachines, and nanonetworks) to accomplish these tasks. This chapter studies undesired effects of physical channels such as noise and interference and the adequate error control, codification, and modulation techniques to avoid information degradation because of these effects. Also, continuing with the MC analysis from the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) paradigm, this chapter examines the physical layer model and functionalities.