Achieving the sustainability in IoT network using software defined radios and virtualization

Rapid expansion of 6G-enabled IoT networks across industrial uses, smart cities, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), health, and agriculture demands sustainable and scalable solutions. Current IoT architectures built around fixed hardware-centric infrastructures lead to inefficient power consumption, increased operational costs, and high carbon footprint. The advent of Software-Defined Radios (SDRs), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises a revolutionary paradigm for realizing energy-efficient, flexible, and affordable Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. In this chapter, we talk about how SDR-based virtualization can enable Multi-RAT (Radio Access Technology) IoT networks, adaptive spectrum management, intelligent energy management, and network slicing for improved sustainability. SDRs provide dynamic reconfigurability of communication parameters which allows a single Remote Radio Head (RRH) to dynamically switch between several RATs such as NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, V2X, and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) depending on the needs. Through AI-driven dynamic resource allocation, SDR-based networks optimize spectrum efficiency, prevent energy wastage, and enhance latency-sensitive applications such as autonomous driving and industrial automation. In addition, AI-powered approaches like Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Federated Learning (FL) enhance SDR virtualization to enable real-time decision-making for optimal RAT selection, traffic scheduling, and energy-efficient transmissions. The chapter also discusses SDR virtualization for space communications, IoT connectivity to NTN-based LEO satellites, UAVs, and HAPs. Key challenges such as interference management, hardware efficiency, and secure multi-tenancy in virtualized SDRs are discussed, along with future research trends in AI-driven spectrum coordination, ultra-low-power SDR design, and blockchain-based network slicing. With the help of AI, SDR virtualization, and multi-RAT orchestration, 6G-powered IoT networks can achieve sustainable, scalable, and ultra-reliable connectivity, revolutionizing smart cities, V2X, industrial IoT, and NTN-based global communications.