Multi-hop routing for distributed clustering protocols in wide wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we propose an Extended-LEACH protocol that integrates an efficient multi-hop routing scheme in distributed clustering algorithms. In addition to energy saving, Extended-LEACH solves the issue of isolated cluster head nodes. The latter appear especially when distributed clustering protocols are deployed in wide wireless sensor networks. In contrast to some earlier work, Extended-LEACH allows both cluster head and non-cluster head nodes to appear in multi-hop routing paths. Such a choice enhances the network connectivity and improves the delivery of aggregated data packets. Extended experimentations and simulations are used to position and ascertain the performance of our proposed Extended-LEACH protocol against relevant earlier work. Results clearly show that Extended-LEACH provides a higher packet delivery ratio compared to both LEACH and MH-LEACH, yet it incurs much less signaling overhead than MH-LEACH.