Wireless Sensor Networks: Cross-layer optimization performance

The number of cluster heads (CH) has significant effects on the way in which the network performs, the connectivity it achieves, and the constricting cost. Hence, the selection of a suitable number of cluster head nodes represents a form of an optimization problem. The cross-layer optimization technique is considered in this paper, to select the best number of CH nodes. Cross-layer optimization studies multi-objectives parameter from different layers to find the optimal number of CHs such as transmission power, available resources, and link Interference. Three layers are considered in this paper, the network, MAC and Physical layers. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can save the energy consumption by 70% and increase the network connectivity up to 60% for the optimum number of cluster heads.