HYBRID CLUSTERING FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF NETWORK LIFETIME IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK

Abstract

The convergence of the Internet, communications, and information technologies, coupled with recent engineering advances, is paving the way for a new generation of inexpensive sensors and actuators, capable of achieving a high order of spatial and temporal resolution and accuracy. The technology for sensing and control includes sensor arrays, electric and magnetic field sensors, seismic sensors, radio-wave frequency sensors, electro-optic and infrared sensors, laser radars, and location and navigation sensors. Although WSNs share many commonalities with wired and ad hoc networks, they also exhibit a number of unique characteristics which set them apart from existing networks. These unique characteristics bring to sharp focus new routing design requirements that go beyond those typically encountered in wired and wireless ad hoc networks. Meeting these design requirements presents a distinctive and unique set of challenges. These challenges can be attributed to multiple factors, including severe energy constraints, limited computing and communication capabilities, the dynamically changing environment within which sensors are deployed, and unique data traffic models and application-level quality of service requirements.