Consistent Re-Clustering in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper we revisit some considerations relative to the performance of re-clustering algorithms in MANET. We recommend that for a secure MANET the design of re-clustering algorithms should not only provide for clustering stability, but also for network robustness in terms of network connectivity, of message reliability, of tolerance against the attacks that target the cluster head nodes and of tolerance to random node failures due to energy drains. We also take into account the possibility of malicious users that might thwart the network protocol by advertising false topology information. We propose a distributed mechanism that for unbiased cluster head election first demands certain levels of consistency to be reached among the nodes.