A self-organized clustering algorithm for UWB ad hoc networks

This paper describes a one-hop self-organized clustering (SOC) algorithm developed specifically for ultra-wideband (UWB) networks. Our research is motivated by the strict regulation of the transmit power of UWB devices, as imposed by U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). To comply with FCC power regulations and to maximize network capacity, we propose a heuristic clustering algorithm to form clusters that have the minimum total power emission subject to constraints on radio range and multiple access capacity. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than a random selection algorithm in terms of power emission under all circumstances. Furthermore, the performance of the SOC algorithm can approach that of the k-means algorithm when an appropriate upper limit on the number of nodes in a cluster is imposed.