Abstract

Imagine a communication network constructed at a nanometer scale. This paper examines the potential benefits from the perspective of using individual nanotubes within random carbon nanotube networks (CNT) to carry information. This is distinct from traditional, potentially less efficient, approaches of using CNT networks to construct transistors. The traditional networking protocol stack is inverted in this approach because, rather than the network layer being logically positioned above the physical and link layers, the CNT network and routing of information is an integral part of the physical layer. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) are modelled as linear tubes positioned in two dimensions via central coordinates with a specified angle. A distribution of lengths and angles may be specified. A network graph is extracted from the layout of the tubes and the unprecedented ability to route information close to the level of individual nanotubes is considered. The impact of random tube characteristics, such as location and angle, upon the corresponding network graph and its impacts are examined.