Multi-Channel Network Construction Algorithm Based on Hierarchical Virtual Clustering

Considering the differential channels sensed by nodes and difficult network construction due to strong electromagnetic interference in wireless ad hoc networks, a multi-channel network construction algorithm based on hierarchical virtual clustering is proposed to realize network reliability improvement and interference control. Firstly, the similarity index is defined by the ratio of neighbors with common channels sensed by the adjacent nodes, which is utilized further to formulate the network modularity function. A clustering network is constructed with the largest modularity. Then, the cluster head nodes and gateway nodes are selected by the way of control before connection. The virtual backbone network controlled by R-hop Connected Dominating Set (CDS) is established by using the spanning tree method to provide routing and forwarding services for inter-cluster nodes. Finally, a restricted graph coloring method is proposed to implement inter-cluster and intracluster channel allocation to reduce the co-channel interference. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can obtain higher network modularity than the baseline schemes, while shows performance advantages in average cluster size and interference control.