WACA: A Hierarchical Weighted Clustering Algorithm optimized for Mobile Hybrid Networks

Clustering techniques create hierarchal network structures, called clusters, on an otherwise flat network. In a dynamic environment-in terms of node mobility as well as in terms of steadily changing device parameters-the clusterhead election process has to be re-invoked according to a suitable update policy. Cluster re-organization causes additional message exchanges and computational complexity and it execution has to be optimized. Our investigations focus on the problem of minimizing clusterhead re-elections by considering stability criteria. These criteria are based on topological characteristics as well as on device parameters. This paper presents a weighted clustering algorithm optimized to avoid needless clusterhead re-elections for stable clusters in mobile ad-hoc networks. The proposed localized algorithm deals with mobility, but does not require geographical, speed or distances information.