Wireless ad hoc nanoscale networking

Wireless ad hoc communication on the nanoscale will require thinking outside of the traditional radio spectrum. New applications will utilize new forms of wireless communication channels. For example, nanoscale communication will enable precise mechanisms for directly interacting with cells in vivo. Information may be sent to and from specific cells within the body, allowing detection and healing of diseases on the cellular scale. From a medical standpoint, the use of current wireless techniques to communicate with implants is unacceptable for many reasons, including bulky size, inability to use magnetic resonance imaging after implantation, potential radiation damage, surgical invasiveness, need to recharge/replace power, post-operative pain and long recovery times, and reduced quality of life for the patient. Better, more human in vivo implant communication is needed. Development of both biological and engineered nanomachines is progressing; such machines will need to communicate. Unfortunately, networking vast collections of nanoscale sensors and robots using current techniques, including wireless techniques, is not possible without communication mechanisms that exceed nanoscale volumes.