An Adaptive Assistant-Aided Clustering Scheme for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

For large mobile ad hoc networks, a cluster-based architecture can facilitate many services, such as routing selection and security management. In this paper, an adaptive clustering scheme in mobile ad hoc networks is proposed. The cluster head is chosen according to the connection degree and mobility of each node. Moreover, a cluster assistant is set inside each cluster to take charge part of duties of the cluster head and storage part of cluster information. Unlike other clustering algorithms, the diameter of clusters is adaptive and determined by the processing ability of cluster heads and member change frequency. During the runtime, clusters can split or merge according to member change frequency to maintain the cluster stable. Simulation results show that this clustering method is efficient and have a less change rate of cluster heads compared with some existing schemes