Power-efficiency clustering method with power-limit constraint for sensor networks

The conventional clustering method has the unique potential to be the framework for power-conserving ad hoc networks. In this environment, studies on energy-efficient strategies, such as sleeping mode and redirection, have been reported, and, recently, some have even been adopted by standards like Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11. However, let us consider sensor networks. The devices employed are power-limited in nature; introducing the conventional clustering approach to the sensor networks provides a unique challenge due to the fact that cluster-heads, which are communication centers by default, tend to be heavily utilized and thus drained of their battery power rapidly. We introduce a re-clustering strategy and a power-limit constraint for cluster-based sensor wireless networks in order to address the power-conserving issues in such networks, while maintaining the merits of a clustering approach. Based on a practical energy model, simulation results show that the improved clustering method can achieve a longer lifetime when compared with the conventional clustering method.