Toward Net-Zero Networks: Energy-Aware Protocols and Systems for the Future Internet
A special issue of Network (ISSN 2673-8732).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 22
Special Issue Editors
Interests: network protocols; self-aware networks; wireless ad hoc networks; cooperative algorithms; green networking
Interests: delay-tolerant networking; machine learning; ad hoc networks; vehicular network; neuromorphic computing; cloud computing; simulation; operating systems; green computing; network protocols; performance evaluation; wireless sensor networks; cognitive networking
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
As digital connectivity becomes ever more pervasive, the environmental footprint of computer networks is continuing to grow, driven by increasing device density, data traffic, and always-on services. Achieving sustainability in this context demands rethinking how networks are designed, operated, and optimized. This Special Issue focuses on the emerging vision of net-zero network infrastructures and protocols engineered to minimize energy consumption while maintaining performance, scalability, and resilience. We invite cutting-edge research on energy-aware networking across all layers of the protocol stack, emphasizing practical solutions that align with global sustainability goals.
Topics of interest include low-power protocols, cross-layer energy optimization, energy-harvesting and battery-less communication systems, and software-defined approaches to dynamic power management. We also welcome contributions exploring the intersection of machine learning and energy-efficient networking, lightweight security for constrained devices, and sustainable network deployment in edge, cloud, and IoT environments. Through this Special Issue, we will bring together a collection of visionary and practical works that advance the state of energy-efficient networking, paving the way toward greener, smarter, and more responsible Internet infrastructure.
Dr. Maurizio D'Arienzo
Dr. Ricardo Lent
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- green networking
- low-power protocols
- energy-aware routing
- energy harvesting in networks
- cross-layer energy optimization
- energy-efficient IoT systems
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