WSN Routing Protocols: A Clear and Comprehensive Review
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14957401Keywords:
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), Internet of Things (IoT), Routing Protocols, Energy Efficiency, Network ScalabilityAbstract
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have emerged as a fundamental technology in modern
applications, including environmental monitoring, smart cities, healthcare, and industrial automation.
Efficient routing plays a crucial role in ensuring network longevity, energy efficiency, and reliable data
transmission, given the inherent constraints of WSNs, such as limited energy, processing power, and
dynamic topologies. Over the years, various routing protocols have been proposed to address these
challenges, each designed to optimize performance based on different criteria. This paper provides a
comprehensive yet concise review of WSN routing protocols, offering a broader classification than previous
studies by integrating multiple taxonomies from the literature. Unlike existing reviews that may either be
too detailed or overly general, this study presents a structured and accessible overview that balances depth
and clarity. Key routing challenges, including energy efficiency, scalability, and security, are discussed,
followed by a detailed classification of routing protocols based on network structure, data delivery mode,
path establishment, application type, and next-hop selection strategies. By merging diverse classification
schemes into a unified framework, this review aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a clear,
well-organized perspective on the current state of WSN routing. The insights presented in this study can
serve as a foundation for future research and the development of more adaptive and efficient routing
solutions for WSNs.
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