The Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT) demands energy-efficient communication technologies to sustain operations. This paper introduces the Energy-Efficient Path Selection (EEPS) algorithm, a novel routing protocol that leverages Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to optimize path selection for enhanced network longevity and energy savings. EEPS prioritizes paths with minimal energy consumption based on distance and average battery consumption of nodes. The algorithm dynamically updates the swarm head to the node with the most remaining battery and optimal location, ensuring continuous communication. Extensive simulations in the Mininet-WiFi network emulation platform, accurately reflecting IoBT conditions, demonstrate the effectiveness of EEPS. Results show a significant improvement in network performance. EEPS with a static head configuration doubles the active communication duration from 800 to 1500 seconds, surpassing conventional routing protocols. The dynamic head variant further increases network uptime to 2000 seconds. Furthermore, EEPS achieves a dramatic reduction in energy consumption, exceeding 50%, leading to a sixfold increase in battery life compared to traditional routing methods. This substantial energy reduction signifies a significant step towards eco-friendly military operations. The EEPS algorithm is a game-changing technology for IoBT, redefining energy efficiency in communication protocols and paving the way for more robust and sustainable battlefield communication networks.
