ENERGY-EFFICIENT ROUTING MODELS AND ALGORITHMS IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have become an essential component of modern monitoring and communication systems due to their wide range of applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, industrial automation, military surveillance, and smart city infrastructures. However, the limited energy resources of sensor nodes remain a significant challenge that directly affects network lifetime and overall performance. Routing protocols play a crucial role in minimizing energy consumption and ensuring efficient data transmission within the network. This study analyzes various energy-efficient routing models and algorithms used in wireless sensor networks, including flat-based, hierarchical, location-based, and hybrid routing approaches. Special attention is given to widely adopted protocols such as SPIN, Directed Diffusion, LEACH, HEED, TEEN, APTEEN, PEGASIS, GAF, and GEAR. The comparative analysis evaluates their energy efficiency, scalability, routing mechanisms, and impact on network lifetime. The findings indicate that hierarchical and location-based routing protocols generally provide superior energy conservation compared to traditional flat-based approaches. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, energy harvesting, and Internet of Things integration are discussed as promising directions for future research. The study concludes that selecting an appropriate routing protocol significantly contributes to improving network sustainability, reliability, and operational efficiency in wireless sensor networks.

无线传感器网络（Wireless Sensor Networks, WSNs）已成为现代监测与通信系统的核心组成部分，在环境监测、医疗保健、工业自动化、军事侦察及智慧城市基础设施等诸多领域拥有广泛应用。然而，传感器节点的有限能源储备始终是制约网络生命周期与整体性能的重大挑战。路由协议在降低网络能耗、保障高效数据传输方面发挥着关键作用。本研究针对无线传感器网络中的各类节能路由模型与算法展开分析，涵盖基于平面、分层、基于位置以及混合路由等路由方案，并重点关注了SPIN、定向扩散（Directed Diffusion）、LEACH、HEED、TEEN、APTEEN、PEGASIS、GAF、GEAR等广泛应用的路由协议。本次对比分析从能效、可扩展性、路由机制及对网络生命周期的影响等维度对上述协议进行了评估。研究结果表明，相较于传统的基于平面的路由方案，分层路由与基于位置的路由协议通常可实现更优异的节能效果。此外，本研究还探讨了人工智能、机器学习、能量收集及物联网融合等新兴技术，将其作为未来研究的极具潜力的发展方向。本研究最终得出结论：在无线传感器网络中选择合适的路由协议，对提升网络可持续性、可靠性与运行效率具有重要意义。