A Delay-Based Clustering Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

In order to prolong the network lifetime, energy-efficient routing protocols should be designed to adapt the characteristic of wireless sensor networks. Clustering algorithm is a kind of key technique used to reduce energy consumption. which can make a longer life span of sensor network. A clustering algorithm based on timer mechanism (CATM) was presented. By means of timer mechanism, it can guarantee the node with high remaining energy be chosen as the cluster heads node in priority in each round. Meanwhile, a aggregate of nodes that have received cluster heads information is preserved so that the algorithm is able to ensure that obtain a constant number of cluster heads and cluster heads are well scattered. Simulation results demonstrate that CATM algorithm effectively balances the energy dispatch of the sensors and obvious improvement on the network lifetime.