A comprehensive review of fuzzy-based clustering techniques in wireless sensor networks

Purpose This paper aims to discuss a comprehensive survey on fuzzy-based clustering techniques. The determination of an appropriate sensor node as a cluster head straightforwardly affects a network’s lifetime. Clustering often possesses some uncertainties in determining suitable sensor nodes as a cluster head. Owing to various variables, selection of a suitable node as a cluster head is a perplexing decision. Fuzzy logic is capable of handling uncertainties and improving decision-making processes even with insufficient information. Then, state-of-the-art research in the field of clustering techniques has been reviewed. Design/methodology/approach The literature is presented in a tabular form with merits and limitations of each technique. Furthermore, the various techniques are compared graphically and classified in a tabular form and the flowcharts of important algorithms are presented with pseudocodes. Findings This paper comprehends the importance and distinction of different fuzzy-based clustering methods which are further supportive in designing more efficient clustering protocols. Originality/value This paper fulfills the need of a review paper in the field of fuzzy-based clustering techniques because no other paper has reviewed all the fuzzy-based clustering techniques. Furthermore, none of them has presented literature in a tabular form or presented flowcharts with pseudocodes of important techniques.