Clusterhead selection in clustering algorithms for wireless sensor networks: A survey

Most of the research in energy efficient data gathering in data centric applications of wireless sensor networks is motivated by LEACH scheme which by allowing rotation of clusterhead role among the sensor nodes tries to distribute the energy consumption over the network. Selection of sensor node for such role rotations greatly affects the energy efficiency of the network. Hence many proposals are reported in the literature suggesting different clusterhead selection strategies. However, till now, these strategies have not been talked about for their collective understanding. So, efforts have been made, in this paper, to discuss them in unison and present a global view. Comparison of their costs of clusterhead selection in different rounds and after effects like cluster formation, distribution of clusterheads and creation of clusters shows a need of more energy efficient clusterhead selection strategy.