Optimization of Clustering in Wireless Sensor Networks: Techniques and Protocols

Recently, Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technology has emerged extensively. This began with the deployment of small-scale WSNs and progressed to that of larger-scale and Internet of Things-based WSNs, focusing more on energy conservation. Network clustering is one of the ways to improve the energy efficiency of WSNs. Network clustering is a process of partitioning nodes into several clusters before selecting some nodes, which are called the Cluster Heads (CHs). The role of the regular nodes in a clustered WSN is to sense the environment and transmit the sensed data to the selected head node; this CH gathers the data for onward forwarding to the Base Station. Advantages of clustering nodes in WSNs include high callability, reduced routing delay, and increased energy efficiency. This article presents a state-of-the-art review of the available optimization techniques, beginning with the fundamentals of clustering and followed by clustering process optimization, to classifying the existing clustering protocols in WSNs. The current clustering approaches are categorized into meta-heuristic, fuzzy logic, and hybrid based on the network organization and adopted clustering management techniques. To determine clustering protocols’ competency, we compared the features and parameters of the clustering and examined the objectives, benefits, and key features of various clustering optimization methods.