Combined metrics-clustering algorithm based on LEACH-C

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been broadly studied with advances in ubiquitous computing environment. Because sensor nodes are resource limited, it is important to use energy-efficient routing protocols. The cluster-based routing is an efficient way to decrease transmission traffic and distance, hence, reduce energy consumption. LEACH is a popular cluster-based protocol, which provides distributed adaptive clustering and cluster head (CH) rotation, while LEACH-C is an extension of LEACH, which uses energy to select CH. However, both can't guarantee cluster head distribution in each round, as well as, both have considerable periodic clustering overhead. To resolve such problem, we propose a combined metrics-clustering algorithm based on LEACH-C that adopts a centralized cluster formation and distributed CHs selection method. By using minimum energy clustering, network is divided into energy-balanced clusters, and considering energy and communication distance, optimal CHs are selected in order to prolong network life time. From simulation results the new approach outperforms existing LEACH-C in life time, energy consumption and stability period.