Novel Method for Optimal Number of Cluster Heads in LEACH

The optimal number of cluster heads is animportant parameter of wireless sensor networkperformance. Network nodes will consume moreenergy if the number of cluster heads is too much ortoo little. This paper focuses on novel calculationmethod for optimal number of cluster heads. Base onthe analysis of LEACH energy dissipation model,novel calculation method is derived from the totalenergy dissipation of a round. Simulation shows therelationship of the optimal number of cluster heads,the number of frames in steady state phase and thedistance between cluster heads and base station (BS).And it provides a theoretical basis for calculation ofoptimal number of cluster heads which can reducethe energy consumption among nodes and achievesan improvement on the network lifetime.