In the rapidly evolving world of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs), energy efficiency is not just a buzzword—it’s a critical challenge. As these technologies expand into smart cities, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial automation, the demand for sustainable energy solutions has never been greater. A recent comprehensive review published in the *Journal of Information Systems and Informatics* (translated as *Journal of Information Systems and Informatics*) sheds light on the latest innovations and challenges in energy optimization techniques, offering valuable insights for the energy sector.
Led by Bassey Isong of North-West University, the study surveyed 82 peer-reviewed articles published between 2021 and 2025, drawing from prestigious sources like IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. The research categorizes existing solutions into hardware-based, software-driven, and network optimization approaches, alongside artificial intelligence-driven and demand-side energy management, and security-enhanced frameworks.
One of the most compelling findings is the growing trend towards integrated, multi-objective routing and cross-layer energy optimizations. “We’re seeing significant progress in minimizing energy use and extending network lifetime,” Isong notes. “However, challenges like scalability, computational overhead, and real-world deployment issues persist.”
The study highlights several innovative techniques, including ultra-low-power hardware, adaptive scheduling, bio-inspired clustering, and energy harvesting. Intelligent optimization methods, such as machine and quantum-inspired heuristics, are also gaining traction. Additionally, blockchain-enhanced security mechanisms are emerging as a promising avenue for securing energy-efficient systems.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. As IoT and WSN applications continue to proliferate, the demand for energy-efficient solutions will only grow. Businesses investing in these technologies can expect to see significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency. Moreover, the integration of AI-driven optimization and security-enhanced frameworks can lead to more resilient and adaptable systems, ultimately benefiting both consumers and industries.
Isong emphasizes the importance of addressing the identified challenges to ensure the widespread adoption of these technologies. “Our study offers valuable insights for sustainable energy management in IoT and WSNs,” he says. “It helps guide future development toward more resilient, adaptable, and sustainable energy-aware systems.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the findings from this comprehensive review provide a roadmap for future developments. By focusing on integrated, multi-objective routing and cross-layer energy optimizations, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions. The journey towards sustainable energy management in IoT and WSNs is just beginning, and the insights from this research are set to shape the future of the energy sector.