Analysis of energy consumption in clustered wireless sensor networks

Clustering is one of the most important approaches used in wireless sensor networks to save energy. Transmission range affects the clustering and in turn affects the energy consumption in the network. We establish an energy consumption model for clustered wireless sensor networks and solve the optimal transmission range problem. Using this model, the total energy consumption can be estimated beforehand based on the traffic pattern, energy model, and network deployment parameters. This model provides an insight into the energy consumption behavior in clustered wireless sensor networks and the relationship among major factors. The optimal transmission range for energy consumption is a function of the traffic load and the node density, but the effect of node density is very limited.