Title: An agent-based cluster head management strategy for hierarchical wireless sensor network

Authors: Amira Slimani; Mohammed Redjimi; Djamel Slimani

Addresses: Computer Science Department, University 20 August 1955-Skikda, Algeria ' Computer Science Department, University 20 August 1955-Skikda, Algeria ' Electronic Department, University of Sétif-1, Algeria

Abstract: Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) contain a huge number of sensors. These networks are useful for environments that are difficult or dangerous for human deployment. A key challenge and a critical issue in sensor networks is the energy consumption. The control of the WSN is required in order to ensure that the network functions correctly when some components fail. In this paper, we propose a cluster head management strategy (CHMS) for hierarchical protocols to ensure network continuity even in the event of critical energy occurring in the cluster head (CH). This solution maximises the network lifetime and avoids system crash. The principal idea of the CHMS is based on the distribution rules, which are ensured by a specific node called maintenance node. After receiving the alert message from the CH 'energy level dips low', the nearest node from the base station (BS) is selected as an assistant of the CH where it affects the intra data routing function. We implemented the proposed approach by using a multi-agent system (MAS). Simulations results show that the CHMS approach maximise the cluster lifetime and minimise the consumed energy.

Keywords: wireless sensor networks; WSN; multi-agent systems; MAS; hierarchical protocol; clustering; cluster head.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSCC.2020.110848

International Journal of Systems, Control and Communications, 2020 Vol.11 No.4, pp.321 - 333

Accepted: 08 Feb 2020
Published online: 30 Oct 2020 *

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