A cluster based energy balancing strategy to improve Wireless Sensor Networks lifetime

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been of interest due to its many areas of application. The lifetime of the sensor bed is of crucial importance for the successful deployment of such networks. Many algorithms have been proposed based on clustering and cluster head (CH) rotation to improve the lifetime of WSNs. EDCR [1] and EDCR-MH [2] are two such algorithms that have shown promising results. The lifetime of the entire sensor bed can be significantly improved if the energy associated with a sensor node is depleted at the same rate irrespective of its location with respect to the Base Station (BS). This research proposes a new algorithm for CH selection and rotation that incorporates the desirable features of both EDCR and EDCRMH together with a modified minimum distance communication between CH and BS. The algorithm is capable of balancing the energy depletion rate of sensor nodes across the entire sensor bed irrespective of their node locations. Unlike previous algorithms, the proposed algorithm can be applied to significantly larger sensor beds while maintaining the lifetime performance. Analytical models are presented to identify salient parameters of the proposed algorithm. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the applicability of the algorithm. The results indicate that the lifetime of the entire sensor bed is improved over existing algorithms.