Adaptive Clustering for Maximizing Network Lifetime and Maintaining Coverage

Abstract

In Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), cluster-based topology is believed to be an effective way for balancing energy consumption and prolonging the network lifespan. However, the clustering process itself can be an energy cost behavior, especially when it is executed periodically. Moreover, little attention has been paid to combine sleeping scheduling with topology formation. In order to solve the above problem, a novel distributed clustering algorithm called Adaptive Energy Efficient Clustering (AEEC) is proposed to maximize network lifetime in this study. Optimizations including the restricted global re-clustering, intra-cluster node sleeping scheduling and adaptive transmission range adjustment are introduced to fulfill the task of energy conservation, while connectivity and coverage is guaranteed. Simulation demonstrates that a great amount of energy is saved for sensed data transmission rather than control packet broadcast, and thus the network lifetime is extended significantly.