Link-state clustering based on IEEE 802.15.4 MAC for wireless ad-hoc/sensor networks

In this paper we propose a link-state clustering algorithm for both homogeneous and heterogeneous large scale wireless ad-hoc/sensor networks. The algorithm is based on IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer protocol in which the link state of the radio channel can be monitored and traced. The algorithm forms a wireless ad-hoc/sensor network into two layers and routing problem only occurs amongst cluster heads, thus presents an efficient energy saving method to cope with the scalability problem. We consider the stability and connectivity issues of clustering algorithms when mobility of nodes is involved. Simulations show that our scheme presents a flexible clustering method with rather stable number of cluster heads, and high connectivity