## 7 Results and Discussion  
This section investigates how different network parameters influence the performance of our proposed routing protocol. The analysis focuses on examining the impact of each parameter individually by altering one at a time while keeping the remaining network parameters unchanged. Effect of Data Rates: To examine the effect of data rates on the network performance, a series of simulations with fixed data rates of 16, 32, 48, and 64 kbps has been performed. The results from these simulations are illustrated in Figure 4 and explained below. Figure 4a illustrates the end-to-end delay as data rates and node density varied. The end-to-end delay declines with an increase in data rates and node density because, with the higher data rates, the packets are transmitted faster across the network, reducing the time span for data to travel from the source to the destination. Additionally, the higher data rates allow the network to handle more data in a short time, reducing congestion. Consequently, the data packet experiences fewer delays waiting for transmission, which leads to quicker end-to-end delay. Furthermore, with higher node density, there are more available paths for routing data, increasing the likelihood of finding shorter and faster routes. More nodes also improve connectivity, minimizing the likelihood of experiencing void regions and further lowering the delays. Figure 4b illustrates the average energy consumption by nodes as the data rates and node density varied. The observed reduction in average energy consumption by nodes as data rates and node density increase can be explained by several factors. Firstly, higher data rates enable faster packet transmission, thereby reducing the time nodes spend in transmission mode, which directly lowers energy usage, as energy consumption is directly related to the duration of transmission. Secondly, with the greater node density, the data packet can be transmitted  
over a shorter distance, which leads to lower power requirements for communication, further reducing energy usage. Lastly, the combination of higher data rates and increased node density improves overall network reliability, decreasing the likelihood of packet loss and consequently reducing the need for energy-intensive retransmission. Figure 4: Impact of data rate on (**a**) end-to-end delay, (**b**) average energy consumption, (**c**) total energy consumption, (**d**) packet delivery ratio, (**e**) network throughput, and (**f**) dead nodes. Figure 4c illustrates the total energy consumption by the network as the data rates and node density varied. There is a slight decline in TEC across the network as the data rates and node density increase due to the usage of higher data rates, which improves the energy efficiency by allowing rapid data transmission, thereby reducing the time spent in transmission mode. This leads to overall lower energy usage. Additionally, the higher node density enhances network reliability by offering a higher number of available paths for data transmission, which lowers the possibility of packet loss and/or retransmission. Also, the implementation of void-aware route selection ensures that data are directed through energy-efficient routes, avoiding sparsely populated areas and resulting in lower energy consumption. Figure 4d illustrates the packet delivery ratio as the data rates and node density varied. The PDR increases with the rise in data rates and node density. The cause for improved PDR is the higher node density, which provides more available routes to choose an optimal path for data transmission, significantly reducing the possibility of experiencing void regions with sparse or no node coverage. Void-aware routing ensures that data are directed through the most efficient path, bypassing all problematic regions, which enhances the overall PDR. Furthermore, the use of higher data rates speeds up the transmission, minimizing packet loss and further improving network reliability.