Energy-Efficient Clustering Routing Protocol using Quad-Tree Divide and Conquer with Dynamic Multihop LEACH for Enhanced IoT Network Lifetime (EECR-IoT)

Abstract

Reducing energy consumption in IoT networks remains a critical challenge in energy-efficient clustering routing protocols (EECR-IoT). Several routing protocols have been developed to address power consumption, with cluster- based protocols emerging as particularly effective. In these protocols, cluster heads are selected to aggregate data from root nodes and transmit it to the base station, optimizing energy usage. Efficient selection of cluster heads is essential to prolong network lifetime. Our proposed protocol employs static clustering for optimal cluster head selection, ensuring effective performance in both large and small areas. To enhance communication efficiency, we divide large sensor fields into rectangular clusters, which are then grouped into zones to facilitate communication between cluster heads and the base station. EECR-IoT involves a vast network of tiny sensor nodes capable of sensing, processing, and transmitting environmental data to the base station. Energy efficiency is crucial for sustaining these networks, and our study introduces an energy-efficient clustering protocol based on the Divide and Conquer Quad Tree dynamic multi-hop LEACH algorithm. This approach optimizes energy efficiency through balanced cluster creation, thereby distributing the load among cluster heads and extending network lifetime. In addition to Euclidean distance, the protocol considers residual energy for cluster head selection. Multi-hop communication between cluster heads and the base station depends on their distance, further improving energy efficiency. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing heterogeneous protocols, including LEACH-B, BPK-means, Park’s approach, and Mk-means, by up to 50% in energy savings. The protocol’s effectiveness is evaluated using performance metrics such as throughput, End-to-End delay (EED), Packet Drop Rate (PDR), and node lifespan, showcasing its superiority in enhancing network longevity and reducing energy consumption across various IoT applications.