VTCP: A clustering protocol based on traffic flow states for vehicular networks

Abstract

Clustering is one of the challenging technologies in vehicular networks to decrease data congestion and enhance network scalability. It is believed that the clustering approach most adaptive to the mobility features of the vehicles will achieve best stability performance. In this paper, VTCP (Traffic-based Clustering Protocol for VANETs), a clustering protocol based on traffic flow states, is proposed. It defines different cluster formation and main-tenance operations, as well as dynamic transmission range for different traffic flow states. Simulation results show its performance advantages in cluster stability.