An Enhanced Top-Down Cluster and Cluster Tree Formation Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

Clustering is a key technique to simplify network management while enabling power conservation and reduced channel contention in large scale Wireless Sensor Networks. A hierarchy of clusters in the form of a cluster tree can further enhance upper layer functions such as routing, broadcasting and query delivery. The authors propose a generic top-down cluster and cluster tree formation algorithm that does not depends on neighborhood information, location awareness, time synchronization and network topology. It also scales well into large networks. By varying parameters in the algorithm, cluster tress with desirable properties such as controlled breadth and depth, uniform cluster size and improved circularity can be achieved. Different characteristics of clusters and cluster trees are evaluated using simulation based results.