Network Coding Approach for Intra-Cluster Information Exchange in Sensor Networks

In this paper, we focus on the intra-cluster information exchange problem and propose some novel solutions. We only concern about how to exchange information inside cluster of sensor networks efficiently and do not consider cluster forming process and MAC layer scheme. Firstly, the intra-cluster information exchange problem is introduced. And secondly, the circular and random cluster models are presented, based on which some algorithms are proposed, such as routing, flooding, relaying and network coding. After theoretical analysis and packet-level simulation comparison, we find that network coding algorithm allows to realize significant energy and time savings.