Topology-controlled adaptive clustering for uniformity and increased lifetime in wireless sensor networks

Owing to the dynamic nature of sensor network applications the adoption of adaptive cluster-based topologies has many untapped desirable benefits for the wireless sensor networks. In this study, the authors explore such possibility and present an adaptive clustering algorithm to increase the network´s lifetime while maintaining the required network connectivity. The proposed scheme features capability of cluster heads to adjust their power level to achieve optimal degree and maintain this value throughout the network operation. Under the proposed method a topology control allows an optimal degree, which results in a better distributed sensors and well-balanced clustering system enhancing networks´ lifetime. The simulation results show that the proposed clustering algorithm maintains the required degree for inter-cluster connectivity on many more rounds compared with hybrid energy-efficient distributed clustering (HEED), energy-efficient clustering scheme (EECS), low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) and energy-based LEACH.