Load-balancing clusters in wireless ad hoc networks

Ad hoc networks consist of a set of identical nodes that move freely and independently and communicate with other node via wireless links. Such networks may be logically represented as a set of clusters by grouping together nodes that are in close proximity with one another. Clusterheads form a virtual backbone and may be used to route packets for nodes in their cluster. Nodes are assumed to have non-deterministic mobility pattern. Clusters are formed by diffusing node identities along the wireless links. Different heuristics employ different policies to elect clusterheads. Several of these policies are biased in favor of some nodes. As a result, these nodes shoulder greater responsibility and may deplete their energy faster, causing them to drop out of the network. Therefore, there is a need for load-balancing among clusterheads to allow all nodes the opportunity to serve as a clusterhead. We propose a load-balancing heuristic to extend the life of a clusterhead to the maximum budget before allowing the clusterhead to retire and give way to another node. This helps to evenly distribute the responsibility of acting as clusterheads among all nodes. Thus, the heuristic ensures fairness and stability. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed heuristic does provide longer clusterhead durations than with no load-balancing.