How to Start Molecular Communication Projects Using NS2

To create a Molecular Communication (MC) in NS2 can be challenging since NS2 was model for electromagnetic (EM) communication networks, not for nanoscale or biological communication systems. Nevertheless, by suitable for modification and extensions, NS2 can be adjusted the molecular communication through designing the environment, particles, and diffusion-based or nanonetwork communication mechanisms.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you start a Molecular Communication (MC) project using NS2:

Steps to Start Molecular Communication Projects Using NS2

  1. Understand Molecular Communication

Molecular communication has contains the transfer of information using molecules as carriers in its place of electromagnetic waves. Main features include:

  • Communication Types:
    • Flow-based communication.
    • Active transport mechanisms.
    • Diffusion-based communication
  • Components:
    • Transmitter has includes the molecule-emitting node.
    • Receiver contains the molecule-detecting node.
    • Medium for sample liquid, gas, or tissue.
  • Metrics:
    • Molecule arrival time.
    • Concentration levels.
    • Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
    • Bit error rate (BER).
  1. Install and Prepare NS2
  1. Download NS2 from the official website.
  2. Install NS2 on a Linux-based system.
  3. Validate the installation by sample scripts.
  1. Customize NS2 for Molecular Communication

Since NS2 lacks native helps for molecular communication, we require extending its capabilities:

  1. Define Molecules as Packets
  • Treat the molecules for packets in NS2.
  • Every packet can be characterized the precise kind or concentration for the molecules.
  1. Simulate the Propagation Environment
  1. Apply for the diffusion or flow-based propagation using alters the broadcast models.
  2. Encompass the NS2 broadcast layer for sample Propagation/FreeSpace to maintain the molecule diffusion.
  1. Modify Nodes
  • Modify the nodes are performs as:
    • Transmitter: Releases the packets such as molecules.
    • Receiver: Finding the packets according to the arrival time or concentration.
  1. Write a Molecular Communication Simulation Script

Here’s a simple method to setting a molecular communication in NS2 using TCL:

Step 1: Define Simulation Parameters

set ns [new Simulator]

# Simulation parameters

set val(chan)   Channel/WirelessChannel  ;# Use as a base

set val(prop)   Propagation/CustomDiffusion ;# Custom diffusion model

set val(ll)     LL

set val(mac)    Mac/802_11

set val(ifq)    Queue/DropTail/PriQueue

set val(ant)    Antenna/OmniAntenna

set val(x)      100 ;# X-dimension of topology

set val(y)      100 ;# Y-dimension of topology

set val(z)      100 ;# Z-dimension for 3D environment

set val(start_time) 1.0 ;# Start simulation

set val(end_time) 10.0 ;# End simulation

Step 2: Create Nodes

Define transmitter and receiver nodes:

# Create Transmitter

set transmitter [$ns node]

$transmitter set X_ 10

$transmitter set Y_ 10

$transmitter set Z_ 10

# Create Receiver

set receiver [$ns node]

$receiver set X_ 90

$receiver set Y_ 90

$receiver set Z_ 90

Step 3: Define Traffic

Simulate molecule emission and detection:

# Transmitter traffic generation

set udp [new Agent/UDP]

$ns attach-agent $transmitter $udp

set sink [new Agent/Null]

$ns attach-agent $receiver $sink

$ns connect $udp $sink

# Add molecule release as CBR traffic

set molecule_release [new Application/Traffic/CBR]

$molecule_release attach-agent $udp

$molecule_release set packetSize_ 1 ;# Single molecule

$molecule_release set rate_ 1Kb ;# Release rate

Step 4: Implement Propagation

Use modifies the diffusion-based broadcast design:

  1. Encompass the NS2 by a custom Broadcast/CustomDiffusion design.
  2. Replicate the molecular diffusion using the procedures such as Fick’s laws or Monte Carlo replication.

Step 5: Add Mobility (Optional)

The nodes or the medium are dynamic:

$ns at 2.0 “$transmitter setdest 20 20 2.0”

$ns at 5.0 “$receiver setdest 80 80 1.0”

Step 6: Run the Simulation

Store the script as molecular_comm.tcl and execute:

ns molecular_comm.tcl

  1. Analyze Results
  1. Trace File Analysis:
    • Examine the molecule arrival times and focus on the receiver.
    • Measure the parameter metrics such as bit error rate (BER) or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
  2. Visualization:
    • Used envision for NAM (Network Animator) to view the molecule broadcast.

nam output.nam

  1. Graphical Analysis:
    • Use Xgraph or MATLAB to plot molecule delivery parameter metrics.
  1. Extend the Simulation
  1. Custom Protocols:
    • Execute modify the molecular communication protocols for encrypt/decrypt messages.
  2. Noise Models:
    • Launch the environmental noise or interference in the diffusion model.
  3. Energy Models:
    • Replicate the energy usage of nanomachines during molecule emission or finding.
  1. Example Applications
  • Drug Delivery Systems:
    • Replicate on how the molecules reach aim for cells in a body.
  • Intrabody Networks:
    • Design the communication am0ong nanomachines in medical applications.
  • Environmental Monitoring:
    • Replicate the diffusion in air or water for finding the pollutants.
  1. Explore Alternatives

If NS2 is too restrictive for molecular communication, consider:

  • NS3: Increase the flexible and extensible for kinds of networks in custom.
  • MATLAB: The Ideal tools for diffusion and molecule-level modeling.
  • OMNeT++: Highly modular and help for the nanoscale replication.
  • N3Sim: A replicator exactly designed for molecular communication.

By ns2, we performed a complete Molecular communication project analysis through given simulation process. We will also deliver more additional facts about this communication in another report work.