Mobile awareness based cluster selection mechanisms in wireless ad hoc networks

We propose an efficient clustering scheme for a wireless ad hoc network, based on the moving characteristics of the mobile nodes. The instantaneous mobility behavior for a node equipped with a mobility measuring tool, such as GPS, is readily available. However, for a mobile node without such tool or one in an environment where the measuring tool cannot function properly, we develop a simple heuristic mechanism to derive the mobility index, used for characterizing its instantaneous nodal mobility. The developed mobility estimation algorithm is fully distributed and self organized. Performance results via simulations reveal that the estimated mobility index of a node follows a linear relation with its own real speed in various networking environments. Next, we apply the obtained mobility index to derive the mobile awareness based cluster selection scheme. In general, we choose the currently slowest moving node as the primary candidate for the clusterhead. Compared with other well known clustering schemes, performance results have demonstrated that our mechanism can achieve a more efficient and stable clustering architecture for different networking topologies.