Transceiver architectures and physical layer techniques for unconventional communications in the internet of everything

This thesis explores the emerging Internet of Everything (IoE) framework, a transformative paradigm in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) that extends human connectivity beyond traditional boundaries. The IoE conceptualizes a comprehensive network architecture that mirrors the complexity of interconnected systems in nature, integrating a diverse array of ICT technologies across different scales and environments. This advancement presents numerous opportunities but also poses significant challenges, particularly in aligning communication technology with the IoE's complex and dynamic nature. The thesis considers the challenges and the solutions at the physical layer/device level linked to unconventional communications essential for realizing the IoE. It focuses on two emerging communication paradigms: Molecular communications (MC) and Terahertz (THz)-band communications. These paradigms are key to expanding beyond the limitations of existing networks and are instrumental in actualizing the IoE. A comprehensive exploration is conducted into the challenges and potential solutions associated with these unconventional communications. The thesis first introduces the universal IoE transceiver, a novel device concept for integrating heterogeneous networks within the IoE framework. It discusses transceiver architectures based on graphene and related materials, which are promising for unconventional communication modalities, especially in the context of the Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT), an emerging subset of the IoE. The thesis further investigates advanced physical layer techniques for practical MC systems and explores effective solutions for facilitating THz-band communication in space. These in-depth studies aim to enhance connectivity and communication on a universal scale, shaping the future landscape of the IoE. The work presented provides pathways toward mitigating the complexities inherent in unconventional communications, thereby contributing to the advancement of IoE technologies.