Communication at the nanoscale is challenging in nanotechnology but also opens up unique opportunities. The CORONA system, short for Coordinate and Routing System for Nanonetworks, is a remarkable innovation in this field. Its primary objective is to enable communication between nanomachines – self-contained, autonomous nodes that can perform basic tasks and transmit data over short distances.
The need for CORONA
Nanomachines are small devices with a power supply, memory, antenna, and CPU module. They have some limitations regarding computational power, memory, and energy. However, they are expected to be used extensively in fields like biomedicine, industry, and the military. Due to their restrictions, using traditional communication protocols for nanonetworks is impossible. This is where CORONA comes into play, providing a simple system that maintains connectivity and extends the network’s life.
How CORONA works
The CORONA system functions through a 2D ad-hoc nanonetwork that operates dynamically. During the initial setup phase, the user selects specific nodes to serve as anchor points. Following this, all nodes measure their distances from these anchors using the number of hops required to reach them. This critical measurement gives each nanomachine a sense of geolocation, allowing them to understand their position relative to others. This is crucial for efficient routing within the network.
Routing with CORONA
CORONA uses a routing process that involves a subset of anchors selected by the packet sender. This method has minimal setup overhead and relies on simple integer-based calculations, ensuring trustworthy operation. Once deployed, CORONA operates efficiently, resulting in a meager packet retransmission and loss rate. This is crucial for energy efficiency and medium multiplexity.
Advancements and future directions
Recent studies have proposed improvements to CORONA, a system for coordinating and routing information in nanonetworks. One such enhancement is EECORONA – Energy Efficiency Coordinate and Routing System for Nanonetworks – which aims to make the system more energy efficient while maintaining reliable communication. These advancements are crucial as the Internet of NanoThings (IoNT) continues evolving and offers unprecedented applications in various fields.
Conclusion
CORONA and its related forms, such as EECORONA, signify a significant advancement in nanonetworking. They tackle the critical challenge of creating a simple design for nanonetworks that can ensure robust connectivity and long-term durability. As nanotechnology progresses, systems like CORONA will play a crucial role in detecting and tracking events at the nanoscale level, unlocking new applications that were previously impossible to imagine.
