A Density-Based Clustering Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a new energy efficient clustering scheme to prolong the network lifetime by reducing energy consumption at the sensor node. Every node will determine whether to participate in clustering with a certain probability, based on the local sensor density. This scheme is useful under the assumption that sensor nodes are deployed unevenly within the sensing area. By adjusting dynamically the probability of participating in clustering, the energy consumption of the network is reduced and the lifetime of the network is extended. The major improvement in power consumption happens in densely populated areas, where the probabilities of a node skipping a round of clustering are higher. Through computer simulation, we verified that the proposed scheme is more energy efficient than the LEACH clustering scheme in densely populated areas, while maintaining similar performance otherwise.