FAMACRO: Fuzzy and Ant Colony Optimization Based MAC/Routing Cross-layer Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

This paper presents Fuzzy and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) based MAC/Routing cross-layer protocol (FAMACRO) for Wireless Sensor Networks that encompases cluster head selection, clustering and inter-cluster routing protocols. FAMACRO uses fuzzy logic with residual energy, number of neighboring nodes and quality of communication link as input variables for cluster head selection. To avoid “hot spots”, FAMACRO uses an unequal clustering mechanism with clusters closer to master station having smaller sizes than those far from it. Finally, ACO techinque is used for reliable and energy-efficient inter-cluster routing from cluster heads to master station. The inter-cluster routing protocol decides relay node considering its residual energy, distance from current cluster head, distance from master station and packet reception rate. A comparative analysis of FAMACRO with Distributed Energy Efficient Hierarchical Clustering, Unequal Hybrid Energy Efficient Distributed Clustering, Energy Efficient Unequal Clustering and Improved Fuzzy Unequal Clustering protocol shows that FAMACRO is 82% more energy-efficient, has 5% to 30% more network lifetime and sends 91% more packets compared to Improved Fuzzy Unequal Clustering protocol.