Weighted Election Protocol for Clustered Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks

We propose a new protocol named WEP (Weighted Election Protocol) to improve the stable region of the clustering hierarchy process using the characteristic parameters of heterogeneity, namely the fraction of advanced nodes and the additional energy factor between advanced and normal nodes. WEP attempts to maintain the constraint of well balanced energy consumption. Intuitively, advanced nodes have to become cluster heads more often than normal nodes. The performance of the WEP via computer simulation is evaluated and compared with other clustering algorithms. It has been found that WEP always prolongs the stability period compared to other current clustering protocols (LEACH, HEARP and SEP) for higher values of extra energy.