Optimal Number of Cluster Head Selection for Efficient Distribution of Sources in WSNs

TL;DR

This paper compares cluster formation and head selection protocols in WSNs, proposing a bi-dimensional model to optimize the number of cluster-heads for energy efficiency and network coverage.

Contribution

It introduces a bi-dimensional chain model to determine the optimal number of cluster-heads in heterogeneous WSNs, enhancing protocol performance.

Findings

The model improves energy efficiency in WSNs.

Simulation results identify optimal cluster-head counts.

Protocols like DEEC outperform others in specific scenarios.

Abstract

In this paper, we compare problems of cluster formation and cluster-head selection between different protocols for data aggregation and transmission. We focus on two aspects of the problem: (i) how to guess number of clusters required to proficiently consume available sources for a sensor network, and (ii) how to select number of cluster-heads to cover up sensor networks more proficiently. A sensor in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) can communicate directly only with other sensors that are within a radio range in a cluster. However, in order to enable communication between sensors not within communication range, they must form new clusters in distributed sensors. Several clustering algorithms such as LEACH, DEEC, and SEP have been proposed with the objectives of energy minimization, route-path selection, increased connectivity and network longevity. LEACH protocol and the similar ones assume an energy homogeneous system where a node is not likely to fail due to failure in connectivity and packet dropping. More recent protocols like SEP and TEEN considered the reverse that is energy heterogeneity which is more applicable to case of WSNs. We developed a bi-dimensional chain model to select average number of for DEEC. Simulation results are used to compare performance of different protocols to found optimal solutions of above mentioned problems.