Energy-Optimal Grid-Based Clustering in Wireless Microsensor Networks

Wireless microsensor networks usually consist of a large number of small sensor nodes with limited onboard energy supply and deployed densely in a given area for information harvesting purposes. To reduce energy consumption and prolong network lifetime, clustering techniques are often used, among which the grid-based ones are very popular due to their simplicity and scalability. In this paper, we analyze and evaluate the energy-optimal grid size for a grid-based clustering and routing scheme proposed specifically for wireless microsensor networks. Through numerical and simulation results, we reveal the tradeoff generic to all grid-based clustering schemes. In addition, we propose a randomized technique to further prolong the network lifetime and discuss other energy-saving opportunities. This paper provides some insights into the intrinsic limits of grid-based clustering schemes for wireless micro sensor networks.