Application of the EDCR Algorithm in a Cluster Based Multi-hop Wireless Sensor Network

The energy driven cluster head rotation algorithm proposed in (Gamwarige, S and Kulasekere, E, 2005) and analyzed in (Gamwarige, S and Kulasekere, E, 2006) is based on a single hop communication model where the data messages from each cluster head (CH) node is sent directly to the base station (BS). As a result when the wireless sensor network (WSN) dimensions are large, the nodes located far away from the BS die much faster. In this paper a method of extending the lifetime of the WSN based on a multihop communication model applied to the EDCR algorithm is proposed. The modified EDCR (EDCR-MH) relays all CH to BS messages via other CH nodes by computing a shortest path based on local heuristic information. Further, the EDCR-MH also has provisions to minimize the burden due to excessive data relay on nodes closer to the BS. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm out performs algorithms like under similar conditions