IRO Journal on Sustainable Wireless Systems
IRO Journals
Volume 8 — Issue 1 — March 2026

Green Wireless Communications: A Review of Sustainable Architectures and Protocols

https://doi.org/10.36548/jsws.2026.1.001
Duraipandian M.
Professor & Head, Department of Information Technology, Hindusthan Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, India
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M., Duraipandian. 2026. “Green Wireless Communications: A Review of Sustainable Architectures and Protocols”. IRO Journal on Sustainable Wireless Systems 8 (1): 1-18. https://doi.org/10.36548/jsws.2026.1.001.
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Keywords

— Green Wireless Communications
— Energy Efficiency
— Sustainable Networks
— 5G
— 6G
— Wireless Protocols
— Network Architectures
Published: 16-03-2026

Abstract

The rapid growth of wireless communication systems and devices has increased global energy consumption in wireless communication networks. Therefore, wireless communication technologies are advancing towards the development of fifth-generation wireless communication systems and beyond, i.e., towards the development of sixth-generation wireless communication systems. It is important that the energy efficiency of wireless communication systems considered a significant parameter along with data rate, delay and reliability. Green wireless communication systems aim to reduce the power consumption of wireless communication systems minimize carbon emissions and make wireless communication systems environmentally sustainable. This paper presents a comprehensive review of sustainable wireless communication systems and energy-efficient protocols for green wireless communication systems. This study discusses various architectural strategies such as energy-efficient base stations, heterogeneous and ultra-dense networks, cloud radio access networks, adaptive networks, renewable energy and their role enables wireless networks to modify their behavior according to the nature of the data and availability of resources. Further, the paper discusses the role of sustainable wireless protocols in all layers of wireless communication, where techniques like power control, duty cycle, energy-efficient routing and transport protocols are playing a significant role in removing the unnecessary communication and utilizing resources efficiently. It also discusses enabling technologies that can be utilized in energy-efficient network operation including energy harvesting, cognitive radio, artificial intelligence, edge computing and network virtualization. Moreover, some of the major challenges in energy-efficient wireless communication including decisions, complexity, security, cost, and regulatory issues, are addressed. This study provides an sustainable wireless communication can be achieved based on recent developments and existing research gaps in wireless communication particularly in future 5G and 6G networks.

 

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