A new clustering algorithm for MANETs

Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) is the cooperative engagement of a collection of wireless mobile nodes without the support of any centralized access point or existing infrastructure. The use of virtual topologies is a good alternative to build wireless multi-hop networks. It aims to maintain a topology that optimizes broadcasting or network performances. The problem is to determine an appropriate topology for ad hoc networks. This paper proposes a methodology for building distributed and dynamic virtual topology in ad hoc networks based on the concept of dominating sets. Dominating nodes are used to form a tree structure inside the clusters where the root of the tree is the cluster-head. The idea is to form a clustered network over which communication protocol can be efficiently designed.