Enabling Energy Harvesting-Based Wi-Fi System for an e-Health Application: A MAC Layer Perspective

Area of Science:

• Wireless communication networks
• Energy harvesting technologies
• Internet of Things (IoT) applications

Background:

• Conventional batteries in IoT devices pose challenges including frequent replacements and environmental concerns.
• Energy harvesting integration is crucial for sustainable and long-lasting IoT devices, especially in critical medical applications.
• The Media Access Control (MAC) layer in IoT protocols is a key area for energy consumption optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To simulate a solar-powered Wi-Fi network for e-Health applications.
• To introduce a novel algorithm for mitigating energy consumption in IoT devices.
• To maintain essential Quality of Service (QoS) for e-Health data transmission.

Main Methods:

• Simulation of a dense solar-based energy harvesting Wi-Fi network in an e-Health setting.
• Development of an Access Point (AP) coordination-based optimization algorithm for dynamic resource rescheduling.
• Implementation of adjustments within the standard MAC protocol to reduce energy usage, compliant with Wi-Fi 802.11be.

Main Results:

• The proposed algorithm, combined with solar energy harvesting, achieved over 40% increase in energy efficiency.
• Essential e-Health Quality of Service (QoS) requirements were successfully maintained.
• Demonstrated a viable method for reducing network energy consumption in IoT deployments.

Conclusions:

• The integration of solar energy harvesting and the proposed AP coordination algorithm offers a sustainable solution for IoT energy challenges.
• This approach is particularly beneficial for QoS-restricted environments like e-Health.
• The research paves the way for wider adoption of energy harvesting in IoT, enhancing device longevity and reducing environmental impact.