An Energy-Aware Clustering Scheme for Mobile Applications

In a mobile ad hoc network, efficient routing, resource allocation, and energy management can be achieved through clustering of mobile nodes into local groups. In this paper we propose a clustering scheme that allows self-configuration and adaptation of the network, prolonging its lifetime by distributing energy consumption among clusters. A combined weighted metric approach is used to select cluster-head nodes, taking into account energy, mobility and location of nodes. We have evaluated the clustering scheme using a prototype of the system which includes smart phones and Android emulators. The experimental results show that our clustering approach results in high average nodes´ residual life, proving its effectiveness in prolonging network lifetime.