An Energy-Aware Clustering Scheme for Mobile Applications

In a mobile ad hoc network, efficient routing, resource allocation, and energy management can be achieved through clustering of mobile nodes into local groups. In this paper we propose a clustering scheme that allows self-configuration and adaptation of the network, prolonging its lifetime by distributing energy consumption among clusters. A combined weighted metric approach is used to select cluster-head nodes, taking into account energy, mobility and location of nodes. We have evaluated the clustering scheme using a prototype of the system which includes smart phones and Android emulators. The experimental results show that our clustering approach results in high average nodes' residual life, proving its effectiveness in prolonging network lifetime.