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Channel Modeling and Experimental Validation of Odor-Based Molecular Communication Systems

Ahmet B. Kilic, Fatih E. Bilgen, Ozgur B. Akan

TL;DR

Addresses lack of practical channel models for odor-based molecular communication in bounded and unbounded environments, using advection–diffusion PDEs and MOX sensor kinetics. The authors derive end-to-end models, including Neumann-boundary bounded-channel solutions, and validate them with a custom transmitter–channel–receiver testbed under finite-pulse operation. Key contributions include closed-form impulse responses for both regimes, LTI-based handling of finite pulses, and comprehensive experimental validation showing high correlations (r near 0.98–0.99) and quantified ISI and noise. This work enables reliable end-to-end OMC system design for IoE applications by demonstrating strong theory–experiment agreement and practical parameter estimation.

Abstract

Odor-based Molecular Communication (OMC) employs odor molecules to convey information, contributing to the realization of the Internet of Everything (IoE) vision. Despite this, the practical deployment of OMC systems is currently limited by the lack of comprehensive channel models that accurately characterize particle propagation in diverse environments. While existing literature explores various aspects of molecular transport, a holistic approach that integrates theoretical modeling with experimental validation for bounded channels remains underdeveloped. In this paper, we address this gap by proposing mathematical frameworks for both bounded and unbounded OMC channels. To verify the accuracy of the proposed models, we develop a novel experimental testbed and conduct an extensive performance analysis. Our results demonstrate a strong correlation between the theoretical derivations and experimental data, providing a robust foundation for the design and analysis of future end-to-end OMC systems.

Channel Modeling and Experimental Validation of Odor-Based Molecular Communication Systems

TL;DR

Addresses lack of practical channel models for odor-based molecular communication in bounded and unbounded environments, using advection–diffusion PDEs and MOX sensor kinetics. The authors derive end-to-end models, including Neumann-boundary bounded-channel solutions, and validate them with a custom transmitter–channel–receiver testbed under finite-pulse operation. Key contributions include closed-form impulse responses for both regimes, LTI-based handling of finite pulses, and comprehensive experimental validation showing high correlations (r near 0.98–0.99) and quantified ISI and noise. This work enables reliable end-to-end OMC system design for IoE applications by demonstrating strong theory–experiment agreement and practical parameter estimation.

Abstract

Odor-based Molecular Communication (OMC) employs odor molecules to convey information, contributing to the realization of the Internet of Everything (IoE) vision. Despite this, the practical deployment of OMC systems is currently limited by the lack of comprehensive channel models that accurately characterize particle propagation in diverse environments. While existing literature explores various aspects of molecular transport, a holistic approach that integrates theoretical modeling with experimental validation for bounded channels remains underdeveloped. In this paper, we address this gap by proposing mathematical frameworks for both bounded and unbounded OMC channels. To verify the accuracy of the proposed models, we develop a novel experimental testbed and conduct an extensive performance analysis. Our results demonstrate a strong correlation between the theoretical derivations and experimental data, providing a robust foundation for the design and analysis of future end-to-end OMC systems.
Paper Structure (22 sections, 14 equations, 4 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 22 sections, 14 equations, 4 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. System Model
  3. Transmitter
  4. Channel Impulse Response
  5. Unbounded Medium
  6. Bounded Medium
  7. Channel Pulse Response
  8. Modeling of Reception
  9. Experimental Setup
  10. Transmitter
  11. Channel
  12. Unbounded Medium
  13. Bounded Medium
  14. Receiver
  15. Analysis and Results
  16. ...and 7 more sections

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Experimental setup for the propagation channel (a) transmitter, (b) channel, and (c) receiver.
  • Figure 2: Experimental validation of the single-shot response for (a) bounded and (b) unbounded propagation environments.
  • Figure 3: Experimental validation of the multi-shot response for (a) bounded and (b) unbounded propagation environments.
  • Figure 4: Noise characterization of (a) bounded and (b) unbounded propagation environments.