Energy-optimal grid-based clustering in wireless microsensor networks with data aggregation

This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. Wireless microsensor networks usually consist of a large number of small sensor nodes with limited onboard energy supply and deployed densely in a given area for information harvesting purposes. To reduce energy consumption and prolong network lifetime, clustering techniques are often used, among which the grid-based ones are very popular due to their simplicity and scalability. In this paper, we analyse and evaluate the energy-optimal grid size for a grid-based clustering and routing scheme proposed specifically for wireless microsensor networks. In addition, we also consider the effect of data aggregation on energy consumption and network lifetime. Through numerical and simulation results, we reveal the trade-off generic to all grid-based clustering schemes. Further, we propose a randomised technique to prolong the network lifetime and discuss other energy-saving opportunities. This paper provides some insights into the intrinsic limits of grid-based clustering schemes for wireless microsensor networks. 1. Introduction Recent technology advancement has made sensor miniaturisation possible and affordable for real-world applications. Wireless microsensor networks, with a large number of small sensor nodes, have witnessed an increasing level of popularity in recent years and have revolutionised the way how information is collected and processed. Microsensor networks differ from other forms of wireless networks in their limited on-board energy supply and the large volume of data they are expected to transmit. Energy conservation therefore is of the primary concern in wireless microsensor networks for typical applications such as environment control and traffic monitoring. Due to this tight energy constraint, one major design challenge in wireless microsensor networks is to reduce the energy consumption or to increase the operational lifetime of a network as much as possible. By dividing the entire sensor network into small clusters for easy management, and …