A Comprehensive Review on Mac Protocol of Wireless Nanosensor Networks for Intrabody Application

Nanotechnology has led to the evolution of nano-machines which are tiny components comprising of arranged set of molecules performing pre-determined tasks. The interconnection of nanosensors and nanodevices with Internet has led to development of next evolutionary step towards IoT called “Internet of Nano Things” (IoNT). WNSN for intrabody application consist of integrated nano-machines, diffused in the human body for collecting diagnostic and prognostic processes and aid in the treatment of patients through accurate tumor and disease detection. 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, they are not suitable for WNSN. The main objective behind this paper is to provide review on so far developed MAC protocols in novel nano-scale communication approaches along with architectural requirements for implementation, communication and networking aspects, significant challenges and security issues.