A novel multi-level clustering mechanism using heuristic approach for secure data transmission in WSN sector with various trust computation

Abstract

Several sensor nodes are used in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). A multi-level clustering-based multi-trust model is introduced in WSN. The model’s main intent is to compute trust value for performing secure transmission. Initially, to verify vulnerability, the watchdog counter provides the required trust output. Further, this is intended to build a multi-level trust clustering process. Here, multi-trust is carried out by energy trust, communication trust, and data trust. Hence, multi-trust is compared with a threshold value. Once the trust value is generated, it is given for processing the cluster groups. Due to more multi-trusting, it creates multi-level clustering for security level enhancement. After the cluster group is formed, the major aspect of CH is optimally obtained with a Modified Exploration-based Pelican Optimization Algorithm (ME-POA). Finally, performance is carried out in multi-objective functions, where parameters are defined as distance, delay, energy, and multi-trust. Thus, with the determination of optimal results, the proposed multi-level clustering proves that it offers secure data transmission over WSN.