Buddy Routing: A Routing Paradigm for NanoNets Based on Physical Layer Network Coding

NanoNets are networks of nanomachines at extremely small dimensions, on the order of nanometers or micrometers. Recent advances in physics and engineering have made basic computing and communication feasible on nanomachines, and NanoNets are envisioned as an important emerging technology with broad future applications. Traditional networking solutions require significant modifications for application in NanoNets. In this paper, we focus on routing algorithm design in NanoNets. Based on the salient features of a NanoNet, including low node cost and very low available power, we propose a new routing paradigm for multi-hop data transmission in NanoNets. Our design, termed {em Buddy Routing (BR)}, is enabled by latest advancements in physical layer network coding, and argues for pair-to-pair data forwarding in place of traditional node-to-node data forwarding. Through both analysis and simulations, we compare BR with point-to-point routing, in terms of raw throughput, error rate, energy efficiency, and protocol overhead, and show the advantages of BR in NanoNets.