Multi-hop Cluster Based Routing Approach for Wireless Sensor Networks

One of the key challenges in wireless sensor networks is the efficient usage of restricted energy resources in battery operated sensor nodes. Clustering remains the most effective routing approach used in WSN. Low Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) protocol is an efficient routing approach which has been widely adopted and enhanced to improve the lifespan of deployed sensor networks. However, latterly, clustering algorithms have shown their limitation in extending the network lifespan. In this paper, we propose a new clustering approach based on a combination of LEACH and MTE protocols. The adoption of multi-hop communication instead of direct communication in cluster filed has optimized the communication in the network. The simulation results illustrate the energy efficiency of the multi-hop cluster based routing approach. The proposed method achieves significant improvement in term of network lifespan and provides enhanced energy performance for wireless sensor networks.