A Hierarchical Clustering Method in Wireless Ad Hoc Sensor Networks

Bandwidth and energy reservation is a major challenge in a large scale wireless ad-hoc sensor network, such as IEEE802.15.4-based LR-WPAN. To prolong lifetime of the whole network, improve network throughput, and support a simple topology management method in a large scale sensor network, a hierarchical clustering algorithm is proposed in this paper. This algorithm can be used for a network consisting of various capability devices, such as IEEE802.15.4-based LR- WPAN. Through computing and comparing the potential of serving as a cluster-head device (PSCD) in distributed manner, devices with more capability are chosen for cluster heads and PNC (Piconet coordinator). Comparing with other methods, such as LEACH (low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy) (Hernzelman et al., 2000) and direct communication, simulation results show this method saves energy with significantly high throughput.