A Hierarchal Cluster Framework for Wireless Sensor Network

In wireless sensor networks, a cluster algorithm is a good option to reduce redundant data transfer and organize nodes effectively for long life. In this paper we implement and evaluate a new flexible, hierarchical clustering algorithm on the middleware layer based paradigm. The goal of our algorithm is to give the five features, scalability, energy efficiency, fault tolerance, load balancing and multi-level clustering. Our algorithm consists of three protocols. Flat Clustering protocol constructs a 2-level clustering network structure. Function Delegation protocol provides fault tolerance and load balancing features. Multi-Level clustering protocol builds a more than two-level clustering network structure. This paper also examines several popular simulators and clarifies the definition and implementation of our algorithm in NS2 simulator. Then we evaluate the algorithm from different angles. Based on our simulation, we optimize the key parameters for our algorithm and find that performance and energy efficiency of our algorithm is promising, especially in bridge topologies.