MAC protocols for Wireless Nano-sensor Networks: Performance analysis and design guidelines

Nano-devices communicating in the Terahertz band can achieve very high transmission bit-rates at the cost of short communication distances due to wireless channel effects. Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols are needed for the communication between nano-devices and for the access coordination to the wireless channel. Since classical MAC protocols cannot be used due to the peculiarities of nano-devices and the Terahertz band, this paper presents the so-far developed MAC protocols for Wireless Nano Sensor Networks (WNSN) with their advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. A performance analysis of WNSN MAC protocols in terms of consumed energy, transmission distance and probability of collision is conducted. In addition, the design guidelines of an efficient MAC protocol for WNSN are discussed.