A access-based clustering protocol for multihop wireless ad hoc networks

The ad hoc network is a temporary wireless system without a fixed (wired or wireless) infrastructure. Many clustering algorithms have been proposed to partition mobile users into clusters to support routing and network management. Most previous studies, however, focus on algorithm design, lacking an overall evaluation of clustering overheads. We design a multiple access scheme for the broadcast of control messages, and propose a new access-based clustering protocol (ABCP) whose cluster formation is heavily influenced by the outcome of the multiple access. By taking into account many delicate aspects in the clustering process, the ABCP provides a generic, flexible, rapidly deployed and stable cluster architecture for the upper layer protocols. Simulation is used to compare ABCP with the other clustering strategy in terms of cluster stability and overheads. Since ABCP makes clustering decision directly based on the result of channel access, it requires fewer control overheads and has shorter convergence time than the other clustering criteria. We also demonstrate that the resulting cluster structure by ABCP behaves stable in face of topology changes.