CFFL: Cluster formation using fuzzy logic for wireless sensor networks

In order to conserve energy in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), sensor nodes are partitioned into clusters. Clustering algorithm provides an effective way to extend the network lifetime of WSNs. The operation of clustering algorithm is divided into cluster heads (CHs) selection phase and cluster formation phase. However, most of the previous researches have focused on CHs selection, and have not considered the cluster formation phase, which is important problem in WSNs and can drastically affect the network lifetime in WSNs. In this paper, cluster formation using fuzzy logic (CFFL) approach has been proposed to prolong network lifetime and reduce energy consumption in WSNs. this approach uses fuzzy logic in the formation cluster phase, two fuzzy parameters are used. These parameters are residual energy which is energy level of each CH and closeness to base station (BS) which is the distance between the CH and the BS. Simulation results show that the proposed approach consumes less energy and prolongs the network lifetime compared with Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) protocol.