A clustering routing algorithm in wireless sensor netwroks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) pose new research challenges related to the design of algorithms, network protocols, and software that will enable the development of applications based on sensor devices. In this paper, we propose a clustering routing algorithm to reduce the energy consumption and prolong network lifetime. In order to avoid nodes with low residual energy becoming cluster heads, CRA selects residual energy as an energy-control factor to balance the energy consumption. Through the introduction of CH-weight, non-CH nodes select appropriate CH and join the corresponding cluster. After cluster formation, a CH routing tree over all of the cluster heads is constructed. Through the multi-hop transmission way, it reduces the number of CHs to connect directly with BS in communication. Simulation results show CRA is more efficient to reduce and balance energy consumption and hence prolong the lifetime of WSN.