An Energy-Aware Dynamic Clustering Algorithm for Load Balancing in Wireless Sensor Networks

Energy efficient dynamic clustering offers a flexible paradigm to reconfigure the network in order to maximise network's lifetime in resource constrained ad hoc sensor networks. The load profiles of parent nodes (PNs) can be used to define its current state as well as to predict potential failures caused by energy loss due to high loads on particular PNs. This paper proposes a novel dynamic clustering algorithm for load balanced routing based upon route efficiency. The algorithm exploits the pattern and load of traffic and energy dissipation rate of each node on the route to calculate the node and route efficiencies. The proposed algorithm maintains PNs in a state whereby the network life requirement is met by the PNs comprising the backbone of the network. Results prove that the proposed methodology balances the load effectively to meet the network life requirement while concomitantly preserving the network capacity.