Towards a model of energy complexity for algorithms [mobile wireless applications]

Energy is a fundamental resource limitation in mobile and wireless devices. Much research in mobile and wireless networking over the past decade has examined ways of reducing energy usage, including specific techniques such as energy-aware protocols for routing and communication. However, to our knowledge, no systematic way has been developed for reasoning generally about the energy consumption of algorithms. A method for analyzing energy complexity at an abstract algorithmic level would be invaluable. However, it is not clear if we can develop a uniform abstract model of energy complexity that has both theoretical and practical value. This paper surveys techniques for modeling and minimizing energy consumption at various system levels, so as to place algorithmic energy complexity in perspective. We then discuss the attributes an energy complexity model should have, and describe our initial approach towards developing such a model. We end by discussing future technical directions.