An Energy-Efficient Cluster Head and Router Selecting Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) based on ZigBee technology are currently popular low-energy, low-cost, short-distance communication technologies that can be applied in many areas, such as industry, environment, agriculture, etc. Energy efficiency is one of the most important research points for WSNs. In this paper, we analyze the existing WSNs protocols, especially LEACH, and propose an energy-efficient cluster head and router selecting protocol (EECRS). EECRS combines both cluster-based and energy-threshold routing protocols to balance the energy consumption of the sensor nodes in the whole network in order to extend the network lifetime. And through the simulation via NS2 software, it is shown that EECRS improves the network performance, network lifetime and data received per energy mount consumption, compared with LEACH protocol.