WACA: A Hierarchical Weighted Clustering Algorithm optimized for Mobile Hybrid Networks

—Clustering techniques create hierarchal network structures, called clusters, on an otherwise flat network. In a dynamic environment—in terms of node mobility as well as in terms of steadily changing device parameters—the clusterhead election process has to be re-invoked according to a suitable update policy. Cluster re-organization causes additional message exchanges and computational complexity and it execution has to be optimized. Our investigations focus on the problem of minimizing clusterhead re-elections by considering stability criteria. These criteria are based on topological characteristics as well as on device parameters. This paper presents a weighted clustering algorithm optimized to avoid needless clusterhead reelections for stable clusters in mobile ad-hoc networks. The proposed localized algorithm deals with mobility, but does not require geographical, speed or distances information. Keywords-clustering,, hybrid networks, network topology, wireless communication

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2007
• Where: CORR
• Authors: Matthias R. Brust, Adrian Andronache, Steffen Rothkugel
• Keywords: CORR 2007, Device Parameters—the Clusterhead, Education, Hierarchal Network Structures, Needless Clusterhead Reelections