A comparative study of hierarchical routing protocols in wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) consist of small nodes with sensing, computation and communications capabilities. Due to the limited processing power, and finite power available to each sensor node, regular ad hoc routing techniques cannot be directly applied to sensor networks domain. Thus, energy-efficient routing algorithms suitable to the inherent characteristics of WSNs are required. The hierarchical routing protocols for WSNs are considered energy efficient. Therefore, in the present paper, a comprehensive survey of hierarchical routing protocols for Wireless sensor networks has been presented. Another striking feature of the present exposition is the inclusion of hierarchical routing protocols for linear sensor networks which is an important subclass of wireless sensor networks.