Energy-Efficient Routing Protocols for IoT-Enabled Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has significantly increased the deployment of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in a wide array of applications, including smart cities and environmental monitoring. A major challenge in these networks is the development of energy-efficient routing protocols that extend network lifespan and ensure reliable data transmission. This paper examines the latest advancements in energy-efficient routing protocols for IoT-enabled WSNs, discussing their design principles, algorithmic foundations, and performance metrics. We introduce innovative routing strategies aimed at optimizing energy usage while maintaining strong communication links. Through comprehensive simulations and practical case studies, we validate the effectiveness of these protocols in improving energy efficiency and overall network performance. Our results offer crucial insights for the future development of IoT-WSN systems, highlighting the necessity of incorporating energy-awareness into routing protocol design. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research directions and practical applications to further enhance the field of energy-efficient IoT-enabled WSNs.