Novel Method for Optimal Number of Cluster Heads in LEACH

The optimal number of cluster heads is an important parameter of wireless sensor network performance. Network nodes will consume more energy if the number of cluster heads is too much or too little. This paper focuses on novel calculation method for optimal number of cluster heads. Base on the analysis of LEACH energy dissipation model, novel calculation method is derived from the total energy dissipation of a round. Simulation shows the relationship of the optimal number of cluster heads, the number of frames in steady state phase and the distance between cluster heads and base station (BS). And it provides a theoretical basis for calculation of optimal number of cluster heads which can reduce the energy consumption among nodes and achieves an improvement on the network lifetime.