A node stability based multi-metric weighted clustering algorithm for mobile ad hoc networks

Abstract

Ad hoc networks are wireless autonomous networks of mobile nodes, which communicate with each other via wireless media, without the requirement of any pre-existing infrastructure. In mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), clustering is a way of dividing a network into virtual groups called clusters and is one of the most focused areas of research in wireless communication in the previous few years. In this paper, we are emphasizing on the problem of appropriate cluster head (CH) selection, where it is indispensable to provide soundness in the case of a change in topology caused due to the mobility of nodes. Further, to reduce the overhead in the CH election process, we have proposed the use of eligibility criteria for each node. If a node is satisfying the eligibility criteria then only it takes part in CH election procedure. The CH re-election is not periodic and is invoked only on demand. The proposed work on cluster formation minimizes the cost of computation and communication while choosing suitable CH with given constraints.