MODLEACH: A Variant of LEACH for WSNs (1307.7059v1)

Abstract: Wireless sensor networks are appearing as an emerging need for mankind. Though, Such networks are still in research phase however, they have high potential to be applied in almost every field of life. Lots of research is done and a lot more is awaiting to be standardized. In this work, cluster based routing in wireless sensor networks is studied precisely. Further, we modify one of the most prominent wireless sensor network's routing protocol "LEACH" as modified LEACH (MODLEACH) by introducing \emph{efficient cluster head replacement scheme} and \emph{dual transmitting power levels}. Our modified LEACH, in comparison with LEACH out performs it using metrics of cluster head formation, through put and network life. Afterwards, hard and soft thresholds are implemented on modified LEACH (MODLEACH) that boast the performance even more. Finally a brief performance analysis of LEACH, Modified LEACH (MODLEACH), MODLEACH with hard threshold (MODLEACHHT) and MODLEACH with soft threshold (MODLEACHST) is undertaken considering metrics of throughput, network life and cluster head replacements.

• The paper presents an energy-aware cluster head replacement scheme that conserves energy by retaining nodes with sufficient power and reducing reconfiguration overhead.
• The paper introduces a dual transmitting power mechanism that adjusts power levels for intra- and inter-cluster communications to minimize energy waste.
• The paper demonstrates, via MATLAB simulations, that MODLEACH significantly improves network lifetime and throughput compared to traditional LEACH variants.

MODLEACH: An Enhanced Variant of LEACH for Wireless Sensor Networks

The paper introduces MODLEACH, a refinement of the original Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) protocol, designed specifically to address the energy constraints inherent in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). As WSNs are deployed across a variety of fields, their energy efficiency and data throughput have become critical considerations for prolonging the lifespan of the network and ensuring reliable data transmission.

Overview of Proposed Modifications

MODLEACH integrates two primary enhancements to the traditional LEACH protocol:

1. Efficient Cluster Head Replacement Scheme: Unlike LEACH, which elects new cluster heads indiscriminately at the end of each round, MODLEACH evaluates the residual energy of existing cluster heads before determining the need for replacement. This decision-making process ensures that energy is conserved by maintaining cluster heads that still possess adequate energy reserves, thus reducing the routing overhead associated with frequent cluster reconfiguration.
2. Dual Transmitting Power Levels: MODLEACH introduces an adaptive power control mechanism where sensor nodes utilize different power amplification levels based on the nature of communication, whether it is intra-cluster, inter-cluster, or direct transmission to the base station. This targeted power control minimizes unnecessary energy expenditure for short-range communication within clusters.

Performance Evaluation

Through simulation in MATLAB, MODLEACH was assessed against its predecessors, including LEACH and its threshold-augmented variants, MODLEACHHT (Hard Threshold) and MODLEACHST (Soft Threshold). The following metrics were observed:

• Network Lifetime: MODLEACH and its threshold variants demonstrated improved network longevity. Specifically, MODLEACHST achieved the most extended network life due to the combined benefits of efficient cluster head reuse and event-driven communications, which conserve energy by limiting redundant data transmissions.
• Throughput: The throughput, or the number of data packets successfully delivered to the base station, was significantly higher in MODLEACHST. This is attributed to both increased network lifetime and the decreased likelihood of packet collisions—a result of variable power transmission levels designed to reduce interference.
• Cluster Head Formation: The efficient cluster head replacement strategy in MODLEACH contributed to more stable network operation during initial stages, maintaining cluster integrity longer than LEACH.

Implications and Future Research Directions

The proposed adjustments highlight the benefits of energy-aware protocols, emphasizing real-time evaluation of node capabilities—particularly under power-constrained conditions that typify WSNs. From a theoretical perspective, these enhancements contribute to the broader understanding of adaptive networking protocols and energy management strategies in distributed sensor environments.

Practically, MODLEACH offers improved reliability and efficiency, suggesting its potential application in various WSN deployments, from environmental monitoring to smart city frameworks. Further research could explore the application of these concepts to heterogeneous sensor configurations and assess integration with other robust data aggregation methods. Additionally, the exploration of multi-layered security protocols alongside such energy-efficient designs could provide a comprehensive structure suitable for advanced WSN applications.

In conclusion, MODLEACH serves as a refined model over LEACH by innovatively addressing the various inefficiencies associated with energy consumption and cluster management, paving the way for more sustainable WSN deployments.