A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF DISTRIBUTED ENERGY-HARVESTING AWARE ROUTING ALGORITHMS FOR IOT NETWORKS

Distributed Energy-Harvesting-Aware Routing Algorithms (DEHARAs) have emerged as a pivotal solution in addressing the energy challenges of modern Internet of Things (IoT) networks. With the proliferation of IoT devices powered by diverse energy sources, efficient energy management and communication are crucial for network sustainability. DEHARAs leverage the capabilities of energy-harvesting devices, aiming to optimize energy consumption, extend network lifetime, and ensure reliable communication. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of DEHARAs, encompassing their evolution, design principles, evaluation methodologies, and future prospects. We commence by elucidating the context of IoT networks and their energy challenges, paving the way for the necessity of DEHARAs. Emphasizing the importance of energy harvesting technologies, we explore their role in sustainable IoT deployments. Subsequently, we delve into the motivations behind DEHARAs, uncovering their design considerations and the factors driving their development. An exploration of various energy harvesting techniques, including solar, kinetic, and thermal methods, sheds light on the diverse energy sources harnessed by IoT devices. Our survey encompasses a detailed evaluation of energy-harvesting rates and constraints inherent in IoT devices, providing a foundation for understanding the energy dynamics at play. Traditional routing protocols for IoT networks are dissected, offering insights into their strengths and limitations. Addressing the challenges posed by heterogeneous energy-harvesting capabilities and varying energy demands, we discuss the intricacies of energy-aware routing algorithms and the approaches to tackle these complexities. Key factors to consider in formulating energy-aware routing algorithms are identified, outlining design considerations for DEHARAs. Metrics for evaluating their performance, including network lifetime, energy efficiency, and data transmission delays, are elucidated,