A Clustering Algorithm to Construct a Hierarchical Network Structure with Global Stability for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

In MANETs, the scalability problem has been solved by the clustering mechanism. However, current clustering algorithms consider on the network stability only in terms of some metrics affecting innercluster structure's stability, and neglect some metrics affecting intercluster structure's stability which are more favorable to global stability. To solve this problem, a clustering algorithm is proposed in this paper. It gives a comprehensive measurement on stability metrics of the innercluster structure and the intercluster structure. For a better comprehension of our algorithm, an explanatory example is given. To compare the performance of our algorithm to that of clustering algorithms with clusterheads, we simulate the structural adjusting times and network overheads during the process of the cluster formation and maintenance. The conclusion shows that our algorithm is more favorable to the stability of the global hierarchical structure and reduces network overheads a lot, which improves the global network performance.