Checkpoint-based Fault-tolerance for LEACH Protocol

Most routing protocols designed for wireless sensor networks provide good results in ideal environments. However, their performance degrades dramatically when nodes stop working for various causes such as loss of energy, crushed by animal or climatic conditions. In this paper, we highlight the weaknesses of LEACH (Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy) protocol by evaluating its performance in realistic environments. Then we propose an improved version of this protocol based on checkpoint approach that allows it to become a fault-tolerant protocol. Finally, several simulations were conducted to illustrate the benefits of our contribution.