Internal and External factors based clustering algorithm for MANET

Several MANET characteristics that distinguish MANET from other wireless networks and makes routing a challenging task. This paper presents a novel clustering algorithm, which uses both internal and external factors of node in mobile ad hoc network. In Cluster based MANET routing scheme, various mobile nodes are formed as clusters. Each cluster has its own cluster head, which is having more responsibilities like, minimizing the topology changes, stability and re-affiliation of on demand networks. Since the proposed work uses both internal and external factors of node, it is aiming at finding quick response during the routing process Simulations are performed using NS2 simulator. We compare the proposed clustering algorithm with other algorithms, which are Low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) and A Weighted Clustering Algorithm for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (WCA). Our analysis and simulation results show that, the proposed algorithm efficiently manages cluster head updates, re-affiliation, cluster head stability and it outperforms the other algorithms. Keyword-Clustering, Cluster head, Mobile ad hoc network, Routing, Cluster.