Clustered routing protocol based on improved K-means algorithm for underwater wireless sensor networks

Due to the problem of balance for energy consumption in underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs), a cluster-based routing protocol for UWSNs based on an improved K-means algorithm was proposed. This algorithm was used for clustering in underwater sensor networks to avoid unbalanced clustering which could happen in LEACH protocol. Considering the depth of nodes and their densities around, the initial centers of clusters can be selected by the maximum distance method. The master cluster heads and the aided cluster heads can be chosen with the consideration of the residual energy of nodes, the distance between nodes and the cluster center and the distance between nodes and the base station. It can share the energy consumption reasonably. The network simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively balance the energy consumption, prolong the network lifetime, and increase the amount of data transmission compared with LEACH and LEACH_L protocols.