Cluster-Head Rotation Approaches in Sensor Networks: A Review

TL;DR

This paper reviews various cluster-head rotation strategies in sensor networks, categorizing them and discussing open issues to enhance energy efficiency and prolong network lifetime.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive classification of cluster-head rotation approaches and highlights open research challenges for improving energy balance in sensor networks.

Findings

Classified cluster-head rotation methods into categories

Identified key factors influencing rotation mechanisms

Discussed open issues for future research

Abstract

Balanced energy consumption is a major research concern in sensor networks. If some sensor nodes spent energy rapidly compared to other sensor groups, then the energy consumption is not evenly distributed and the lifetime of the network is adversely affected. In cluster-based communication protocol, cluster-head nodes rapidly dissipate their energy compared to respective cluster members as it has additional duties of receiving data from cluster members and aggregation of received data. Clustering protocols periodically rotate the energy-intensive job of cluster-head among other sensors in order to evenly distribute the CH's energy load. In this paper, we review various cluster-head rotation approaches and classify them into different categories based on the number of participating nodes, rotation mechanism, and decision parameter(s). Finally, we discuss open research issues in developing an efficient cluster-head rotation approach, which reduces the premature death of cluster-head nodes and maximizes the network lifetime.