An Efficient Method Based on Genetic Algorithms to Solve Sensor Network Optimization Problem

Minimization of the number of cluster heads in a wireless sensor network is a very important problem toreduce channel contention and to improve the efficiency of the algorithm when executed at the level ofcluster-heads. In this paper, we propose an efficient method based on genetic algorithms (GAs) to solve asensor network optimization problem. Long communication distances between sensors and a sink in asensor network can greatly drain the energy of sensors and reduce the lifetime of a network. By clusteringa sensor network into a number of independent clusters using a GA, we can greatly minimize the totalcommunication distance, thus prolonging the network lifetime. Simulation results show that our algorithmcan quickly find a good solution.