Two-Level Clustering Algorithm for Cluster Head Selection in Randomly Deployed Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Clustering strategy in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) affects the lifetime, adaptability, and energy productivity of the wireless network system. The low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) protocol is a convention used to improve the lifetime of WSNs. In this paper, a novel energy-efficient clustering algorithm is proposed, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of WSNs by reducing and balancing the energy consumptions. The clustering-based convention adjusts the energy utilization by allowing an equal opportunity for each node to turn them into a cluster head (CH). Two-level clustering (TLC) is introduced by adopting LEACH convention where CH selection process undergoes first and second level of clustering to overcome boundary problem in LEACH protocol. The TLC method structures nodes within the scope of the appointed CHs, in order to extend the lifetime of the system. The simulation results show that, in comparison with state-of-the-art methodologies, our proposed method significantly enhanced the system lifetime.

Keywords

• cluster
• WSN
• energy-aware communication
• routing protocols