Distributed Energy Efficient Clustering Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are powered by finite energy source like batteries, which imposes stringent energy boundaries. Clustering of nodes avoids redundant message transmissions over the network. Thus conserves energy, communication bandwidth and achieves scalability. Here we propose a Distributed Energy Efficient Clustering Algorithm (DECA), a deterministic clustering approach where Cluster Heads (CHs) are selected based on their residual energy and priority using passive clustering technique. Nodes then associate with the CH with least communication cost and high residual energy. This method achieves longer life span than the previous energy efficient clustering algorithms in both homogeneous and heterogeneous networks. DECA has extended the WSN life span to 30% in the homogeneous environment and 50% in the multi-level heterogeneous environment.