International Journal Evolving Sustainable and Renewable Energy Solutions
Enhancing Sustainable Wireless Networking Strategies for IoT: Balancing Environmental Impact and Resource Efficiency
Abstract
Naveen Kumar Thawait and Umakant Shrivastava
The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has intensified the demand for wireless networking, presenting challenges related to energy consumption and environmental sustainability. This paper investigates innovative approaches to promote energy-efficient wireless communication, emphasizing sustainable strategies specifically designed for IoT applications. Our objective is to identify methods that reduce energy usage without compromising the performance of wireless networks. We begin by analyzing the primary energy consumption factors within wireless networks, such as transmission power, device operations, and infrastructure demands. A comprehensive review of energy-saving strategies is conducted at multiple levels, including energy-aware protocols, low-power hardware, and adaptive network configurations. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of techniques like duty cycling, adaptive transmission power, and data compression in minimizing energy consumption and enhancing battery longevity for IoT devices. We also explore the potential of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) in fostering flexible, energy-efficient architectures through dynamic resource allocation and efficient traffic management. Ultimately, this study emphasizes that energy-efficient wireless networking is essential for mitigating the environmental impact of IoT ecosystems. By implementing sustainable solutions such as low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs), energy harvesting technologies, and protocol optimization, significant reductions in the carbon footprint of wireless networks can be achieved.