Energy efficient and balanced cluster-based data aggregation algorithm for wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Data aggregation is an effectual approach for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to save energy and prolong network lifetime. Cluster-based data aggregation algorithms are most popular because they have the advantages of high flexibility and reliability. But the problem of unbalanced energy dissipation is the inherent disadvantage in clusterbased WSNs. This paper addresses this problem in cluster-based and homogeneous WSNs in which cluster heads transmit data to base station by one-hop communication, and proposes an energy efficient and balanced cluster-based data aggregation algorithm (EEBCDA). It divides the network into rectangular grids with unequal size and makes cluster heads rotate among the nodes in each grid respectively, the grid whose cluster head consumes more energy has more sensor nodes to take part in cluster head rotation and share energy load, by this way, it is able to balance energy dissipation. Besides, it adopts some measures to save energy. The results of simulation show that EEBCDA can remarkably enhance energy efficiency, balance energy dissipation and prolong network lifetime. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.