Neuroplasticity and Microglia Functions Applied in Dense Wireless Networks

Abstract

This paper presents developments in the area of brain-inspired wireless communications relied upon in dense wireless networks. Classic approaches to network design are complemented, firstly, by the neuroplasticity feature enabling to add the learning ability to the network. Secondly, the microglia ability enabling to repair a network with damaged neurons is considered. When combined, these two functionalities guarantee a certain level of fault-tolerance and self-repair of the network. This work is inspired primarily by observations of extremely energy efficient functions of the brain, and of the role that microglia cells play in the active immune defense system. The concept is verified by computer simulations, where messages are transferred through a dense wireless network based on the assumption of minimized energy consumption. Simulation encompasses three different network topologies which show the impact that the location of microglia nodes and their quantity exerts on network performance. Based on the results achieved, some algorithm improvements and potential future work directions have been identified.