Multi-level clustering and Prediction based energy efficient routing protocol to eliminate Hotspot problem in...

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Network Engineering
• Wireless Sensor Networks

Background:

• Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) face challenges in energy conservation and balanced workloads.
• Existing clustering routing protocols often suffer from the 'hotspot problem,' where nodes near the Base Station (BS) deplete energy faster, leading to premature network failure.
• Prolonging network lifespan and ensuring efficient data transmission are critical for WSNs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel Energy-Efficient Mega-Cluster-Based Routing (EEMCR) protocol for WSNs.
• To eliminate the 'hotspot problem' and enhance overall network lifespan by restricting transmission ranges.
• To reduce data traffic and energy consumption through multi-level data aggregation and balanced data collection.

Main Methods:

• A centralized, fixed clustering approach where the BS partitions the network into square clusters.
• Formation of mega-clusters, each comprising four clusters, with a rotating Mega-Cluster-Head (MCH) for uniform overhead distribution.
• Two-level data aggregation (at Cluster Head and MCH levels) and data collection by two data mules based on odd-even rounds.

Main Results:

• The EEMCR protocol effectively mitigates the 'hotspot problem' and reduces sensor node data transmission overhead.
• Simulations show an average improvement in network life by 34.5% compared to FCEEC, 23.5% to DBSCAN, 14.5% to LPGCR, and 5.5% to FBECS for 600-1200 nodes.
• Fewer sensor nodes died in respective rounds compared to existing protocols, indicating enhanced network longevity.

Conclusions:

• The proposed EEMCR protocol significantly enhances WSN network lifetime and energy efficiency.
• The strategy of mega-clustering, multi-level aggregation, and balanced data collection effectively addresses critical WSN design challenges.
• Comparative evaluations confirm the superiority of EEMCR over existing routing protocols in terms of network longevity and performance.