Optimal Cluster Head Spacing for Energy-Efficient Communication in Aerial-Backhauled Networks

In this paper we introduce a novel analytic approach in clustering wireless nodes on ground fields through the assistance of an aerial base station, forming an aerial backhauled network. On the ground, some of the deployed nodes act as cluster heads, and aggregate and relay the terrestrial data towards the aerial platform. We present a novel cluster-head selection algorithm based on Matern hard-core point process, and then obtain the analytical formulation to optimize the spacing between cluster heads to minimize the overall energy consumption. The formulated problem utilizes stochastic geometry to capture the random nature of the locations of the deployed nodes, leading to a tractable analysis of the expected network metrics. Furthermore, we compare the performance of the proposed approach with other clustering algorithms, and show the improvement in energy efficiency.