Performance Enhancement of Cluster-Based Ad Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector Routing in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

Recently, extensive research has focused on the design of clustering algorithms for grouping vehicles in a set of clusters in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). However, due to the dynamic nature of VANETS, frequently connected or detached nodes threaten the stability of the network. When these nodes are clustered heads (CHs), the impact of these disruptions on network performance is even worse. Therefore, the stability of clusters is an important issue that should be maintained to enhance the performance of the network with minimum data loss. In this article, a novel clustering approach is proposed, which is based on the average weight concept of three main attributes, namely, the geostationary coordinates (x, y) and drop density. The average of the above-mentioned attributes is calculated and compared with the values of other vehicles' attributes. Those vehicles having minimum average values are dropped and not to be considered in the cluster formation. The cluster members having minimum Euclidean distance are considered as Cluster Head (CH) until a certain checkpoint is not attained. The checkpoints are created in order to generate the social score of the vehicles. Once the social score is attained, a multiobjective framework is developed, which considers minimizing the Euclidian distance and maximizing the social score. The social score is generated based on the Quality of Service (QoS) attained attributes, and the data transmission is performed using Ad Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (ADOV) routing protocol. A comparison of the proposed work and existing work has also been undertaken to demonstrate the improvement in the proposed work. As a result, throughput, PDR, network longevity, and energy consumption have been improved by 28.27%, 20.9%, 23.12%, and 27.48 percent, respectively. Extensive simulations show that the proposed scheme, unlike other popular clustering algorithms, can significantly increase the stability of the network by extending the life of the cluster head.