Fuzzy Logic Based Clustering Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

What is it about?

WSNs have many applications in modern life. Thus, optimization of the network operation is required to maximize its lifetime. The energy is a major issue in order to increase the lifetime of WSNs. The clustering algorithm is one of the proposed algorithms to enhance the lifetime of WSNs. The operation of the clustering algorithm is divided into cluster heads (CHs) selection and cluster formation. However, most of the previous works have focused on CHs selection, and have not considered the cluster formation process, which is the important issue in clustering algorithm based routing schemes, and it can drastically affect the lifetime of WSNs. In this paper, a Fuzzy Logic based Clustering Algorithm for WSN (CAFL) has been proposed to improve the lifetime of WSNs. This approach uses fuzzy logic for CHs selection and clusters formation processes by using residual energy and closeness to the sink as fuzzy inputs in terms of CH selection, and residual energy of CH and closeness to CHs as fuzzy inputs in terms of clusters formation. Simulation results justify its efficiency.

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Why is it important?

Energy efficiency is the significant factor in designing routing protocol algorithms for WSNs. To carry out this factor, many routing protocols are proposed and hierarchical protocols are representative ones. The hierarchical protocols employ the probability to select CHs and alternate the CHs periodically in order to distribute energy consumption. However, the energy efficiency of WSNs is not extended. In this work clustering algorithm based fuzzy routing approach has been proposed, namely CAFL. The main goal of CAFL protocol is to maximize the network lifetime of WSNs. To achieve this goal, authors have focused on CHs selection and clusters formation considering the residual energy of the sensor node and closeness to the sink in terms of CH selection process, and residual energy of CH and closeness to CH in terms of clusters formation process. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed CAFL is more powerful than other routing protocols, such as LEACH, CHEF, and LEACH-ERE.

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