Dynamic cluster header selection and conditional re-clustering for wireless sensor networks

We propose a new cluster header selection mechanism together with a new cluster formation scheme. With this scheme, each sensor node within a cluster evaluates its relative energy consumption compared to other nodes in a same cluster. Based upon the relative amount of energy consumption in the current round, sensor nodes autonomously select a time frame where they will act as a cluster header in that next round. In addition, they are conditionally allowed to switch their cluster header depending on the signal strength from their current cluster header. Our simulation results show the proposed scheme increases the network lifetime and provides a well-balanced energy consumption pattern among the nodes in a cluster compared to previously proposed schemes.