HERF: A hybrid energy efficient routing using a fuzzy method in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is one of the major research areas in computer network field today. Data dissemination is an important task performed by wireless sensor networks. The routing algorithms of this network depend on a number of factors such as application areas, usage condition, power, aggregation parameters. With respect to these factors, different algorithms are recommended. One of the most important features of routing algorithms is their flexibility and ability to self-organize themselves according to such parameters. The existence of flexibility in routing protocols can satisfy calls for on demand and table driven methods. Switching between these two methods would be impossible except by compatibility between nodes´ and switcher. Energy is another significant factor in wireless sensor networks due to limited battery power and their exchangeability. To arrive at a network with mentioned features, we have proposed an algorithm for hybrid energy efficient routing in wireless sensor networks which uses two algorithms, i.e. EF-Tree (Earliest-First Tree) and SID (Source-Initiated Dissemination) to disseminate data, and employs a fuzzy method to choose cluster head, and to switch between two methods, i.e. SID and EF-Tree. In this routing, the whole network is clustered and the appropriate cluster-head is selected according to fuzzy variables. Then, analyzing the changes in fuzzy variables and If fuzzy, then rule, one routing in EF-Tree or SID is chosen for information transmission. The results of simulations indicate that HERF has improved energy efficiency.