A Combination of K-means Algorithm and Optimal Path Selection Method for Lifetime Extension in Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are special types of wireless networks where hundreds or thousands of sensor nodes are working together. Since the lifetime of each sensor is equivalent to a battery, the energy issue is considered a major challenge. Clustering has been proposed as a strategy to extend the lifetime of wireless sensor networks. Many clustering algorithms consider the residual energy and distance between the nodes in the selection of cluster heads and others rotate the selection of cluster heads periodically. We propose in this article a CH selection followed by making clusters using the K-means algorithm and we present the PRIM algorithm to transmit the packets in multi-hop transmission between CHs and BS and choose the optimal path. The clustering scheme allows to decrease intra-cluster communications and to gain energy efficiency for sensor nodes. Computer simulation results show that our method aims to extend the lifetime of the wireless sensor network efficiently compared to other existing methods.