Combined metrics-clustering algorithm based on LEACH-C

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been broadly studied with advances in ubiquitous computing environment. Because sensor nodes are resource limited, it is important to use energy-efficient routing protocols. The cluster-based routing is an efficient way to decrease transmission traffic and distance, hence, reduce energy consumption. LEACH is a popular cluster-based protocol, which provides distributed adaptive clustering and cluster head (CH) rotation, while LEACH-C is an extension of LEACH, which uses energy to select CH. However, both can´t guarantee cluster head distribution in each round, as well as, both have considerable periodic clustering overhead. To resolve such problem, we propose a combined metrics-clustering algorithm based on LEACH-C that adopts a centralized cluster formation and distributed CHs selection method. By using minimum energy clustering, network is divided into energy-balanced clusters, and considering energy and communication distance, optimal CHs are selected in order to prolong network life time. From simulation results the new approach outperforms existing LEACH-C in life time, energy consumption and stability period.