Abstract:

In this paper, the load balancing problem in clustering wireless sensor networks (WSN) is investigated, and an energy efficient clustering algorithm for achieving load balancing in WSN presented. The proposed algorithm computes optimal network cluster numbers based on the network model, and adjusts the range of the cluster by coordinating the communication range of the node. The nodes select cluster headers in a distributed and iterative manner to form an appropriate architecture of the network topology. In simulations under different network conditions, performance of the algorithm is compared with two typical clusering algorithms of WSN, LEACH and HEED. The results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than the other two algorithms, and can effectively balance the load of nodes. Thus it reduces energy consumption of the nodes and prolongs the network’s lifespan.

Key words:  wireless sensor network, clustering algorithm, load balancing, power saving