Hierarchical Hybrid Energy Efficient Distributed Clustering Algorithm

The past few years have witnessed increased interest in the potential use of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in applications such as environment monitoring, disaster management, healthcare and security surveillance. In wireless sensor network an efficient arrangement of network topology is required for energy optimization. Clustering has been proposed as an effective way of organizing sensor networks. Current clustering algorithms usually utilize two techniques, selecting cluster heads with more residual energy and rotating cluster heads periodically, to distribute the energy consumption among nodes in each cluster and extend the network lifetime. In this paper, Heed (a Hybrid Energy Efficient Distributed clustering algorithm), one of the pioneers algorithm for clustering WSN, has been investigated. Three mechanisms to improve the Heed algorithm namely Unequal Heed, Hierarchical Heed and Relay Heed have been proposed. Simulation results have shown that Hierarchical Heed offers around 36% of energy savings for the clustering process and 69% energy savings for the routing process compared to the Heed algorithm.