A team of researchers at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia were inspired by Japanese tree frogs to create a new algorithm for wireless nodes. The inspiration came from the male tree frogs’ ability to desynchronize their calls so that each call is distinct. Just as the frogs have no system of central control organizing this desychronization, a modern wireless network operates without a predetermined structure.
Inspired by the way nature solved this problem, the researchers devised a new algorithm for assigning colors to network nodes ensuring that each pair of connected nodes is not the same color. The end goal is to generate a valid solution that uses the least amount of colors. Applied to wireless communication this technique could reduce loss of information packages and increase energy efficiency in a crowded spectrum.
