A Zone-Based Clustering Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

We study the impact of heterogeneity of nodes in the zone conception of clustered Wireless Sensor Networks. Most of the classical heterogeneous clustering protocols consider the sensing field as a whole for cluster formation. Unlike the existing protocols, the proposed protocol creates rectangular fields called zones and the number of cluster heads elected depends on the zone size and the number of nodes. The best way to extend the life span of sensor nodes is to reduce the complexity in communication costs between the sensor nodes and their cluster heads and compute optimal probability of nodes to become cluster heads in their respective zones. To improve the performance of zone-based clustered Wireless Sensor Network, we optimize some of the factors of the networks such as the number of clusters, type of cluster head elected and the total energy expended at the zones. To improve the performance of zone-based hierarchically clustered Wireless Sensor Network, we optimize certain factors of the network such as the number of clusters established, type of cluster head elected and the total energy expended at the zones. We show by simulation results that the evenly distributed energy consumption of nodes in the zones reduces the total energy dissipated in the network. Simulation results also reveal significant enhanced and favorable results on the new zone based heterogeneous setting that were not possible before. Key-Words: Wireless sensor networks, heterogeneity, optimal probability, cluster heads, rectangular field, zone-based hierarchically clustered