A Distributed Weighted Clustering Algorithm for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Clustering has been proven to support quality of services effectively in a multi-hop network. In order to achieve good performance in a mobile ad hoc network whose topology changes dynamically, any clustering algorithm should operate with minimum clustering maintenance overhead and preserve current cluster structure as much as possible. In this paper, we propose a clustering algorithm, namely a distributed weighted clustering algorithm. The goals of the algorithm are maintaining stable clustering structure, minimizing the overhead for the clustering set up and maintenance, maximizing lifespan of mobile nodes in the system, and achieving good end-to-end performance. DWCA chooses locally optimal clusterheads and incorporates power management at the clusterheads. Results obtained from simulations proved that the proposed algorithm achieves the goals.