A Grid-based Unequal Clustering Algorithm for the Multi-hop Routing in WSN

Wireless sensor network consists of energy-constrained sensor nodes that are densely distributed in a monitoring area. Therefore, how to effectively use the energy of nodes to prolong the network lifetime becomes a key research topic. A grid-based unequal clustering algorithm for the multi-hop routing is proposed in this paper, in which the monitoring area is divided into virtual grids with different sizes. The algorithm provides a new estimation of the optimal number of grids. A cluster head selection method among the sensor nodes within the unique grid is adopted and modified. A multi-hop routing is designed for the communication between clusters. Simulation results show that the algorithm balances the energy consumption of the entire network and prolongs the network lifetime effectively.