Cluster-based multi-channel scheduling algorithms for ad hoc networks

We propose cluster-based multi-channel scheduling algorithms for intra-cluster and inter-cluster communications for in ad hoc networks. Depending on traffic demands of clusters, the proposed algorithms optimally distribute available non-overlapping channels to proper clusters and schedule time slots of time division multiple access (TDMA) over the allocated channels. Simulation results show that the size of TDMA slots is efficiently minimised and end-to-end throughput is maximised on different cluster formations such as distance-based cluster formation and load-based cluster formation.