An Improved Load Balanced Connection Aware Clustering Hierarchy Protocol for Military Application in Mobile Ad Hoc Network

Abstract

Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) are expected to play an important role in military networks by providing infrastructure less communication. However, maintaining secure and instant information sharing is a difficult task especially for highly dynamic military MANETs. Different solution proposed for scaling own the large size of military ad hoc network, one of the most intrinsic approaches is clustering techniques which evolved an important role in military mobile ad hoc networks. Clustering can be used for load balancing to extend the lifetime of ad hoc network by reducing energy consumption and increase network scalability. And the cluster one node works as a cluster head and coordinates all the activities such as routing. In this study, an Improved Load Balanced Connection Aware (ILBCA) clustering hierarchy protocol is presented for MANET that leads to cluster formation in military application. The protocol launches two consecutive phases called setup and steady-state. In setup phase, cluster heads and relay nodes as well as the path between member node from cluster and cluster head are determined. In steady-state phase, network data is collected from member nodes and transmitted to cluster head according to the topology which is determined in the same round. Simulated tests indicate that the ILBCA clustering hierarchy protocol can build more balanceable clustering structure, enhance the network life cycle and energy efficiency.