An Overview of Machine Learning-Based Energy-Efficient Routing Algorithms in Wireless Sensor Networks

Machine learning (ML) technology has shown its unique advantages in many fields and has excellent performance in many applications, such as image recognition, speech recognition, recommendation systems, and natural language processing. Recently, the applicability of ML in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has attracted much attention. As resources are limited in WSNs, identifying how to improve resource utilization and achieve power-efficient load balancing is becoming a critical issue in WSNs. Traditional green routing algorithms aim to achieve this by reducing energy consumption and prolonging network lifetime through optimized routing schemes in WSNs. However, there are usually problems such as poor flexibility, a single consideration factor, and a reliance on accurate mathematical models. ML techniques can quickly adapt to environmental changes and integrate multiple factors for routing decisions, which provides new ideas for intelligent energy-efficient routing algorithms in WSNs. In this paper, we survey and propose a theoretical hypothetic model formulation of ML as an effective method for creating a power-efficient green routing model that can overcome the limitations of traditional green routing methods. In addition, the study also provides an overview of past, present, and future progress in green routing schemes in WSNs. The contents of this paper will appeal to a wide range of audiences interested in ML-based WSNs.