Abstract :

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have become pivotal in a myriad of applications, ranging from environmental monitoring to smart cities. Central to the efficiency and effectiveness of WSNs is the choice of routing technique, which can significantly impact network performance. This paper presents a comparative analysis of various routing techniques employed in WSNs, including direct communication, hierarchical routing, geographic routing, and data-centric routing. We evaluate these techniques based on key metrics such as energy efficiency, scalability, latency, throughput, and robustness. Through extensive simulations and case studies, we assess the strengths and weaknesses of each approach in different network scenarios. Our findings highlight the trade-offs involved in selecting an appropriate routing technique, with specific recommendations for optimal performance based on application requirements. The study also identifies current challenges and suggests directions for future research to enhance the efficiency and adaptability of routing protocols in WSNs.