Cluster Head Relocation Based on Selfish Herd Hypothesis for Prolonging the Life Span of Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Clustering achieves energy efficiency and scalable performance in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). A cluster is formed of several sensor nodes, one of them selected as the cluster head (CH). A CH collects information from the cluster members and sends aggregated data to the base station or another CH. In such a hierarchical WSN, some nodes are possibly moveable or nomadic (relocated periodically), while others are static. The mobility of sensor nodes can improve network performance and prolong network lifetime. This paper presents the idea of mobile, solar-powered CHs that relocate themselves inside clusters in such a way that the total energy consumption in the network is reduced and the network lifetime is extended. The positioning of CHs is made in each round based on a selfish herd hypothesis, where the leader retreats to the center of gravity. Based on this idea, the CH-active algorithm is proposed in this study. Simulation results show that this algorithm has benefits in terms of network lifetime and in the prolongation of the duration of network stability period.