Cluster head selection mechanism for clustering protocols in wireless sensor networks

Clustering is an effective topology control approach in wireless sensor networks, which can prolong the lifetime and also improve the capability of networks. The main difference between different clustering protocols is the way in which to elect the CH (cluster head). This paper introduced several different phases in a round of a clustering protocol and how to determine the number of the clusters, analyzed the CH election approaches of three classical clustering protocols, interpreted how CH distributing influence the energy consumption, how to reduce the clustering overhead and the energy consumption in data communication phase, then proposed the design principle of CH election.