Design and performance evaluation of an energy efficient routing protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

In recent years, the advancements in wireless communications and electronics have enabled the development of low-cost, low-power and multi-functional Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). As nodes in sensor networks are equipped with a limited power source, efficient utilization of power is a very important issue in order to extend the network lifetime. In this paper, a routing protocol namely GAICH (Genetic Algorithm Inspired Clustering Hierarchy) that provide efficient energy management for WSNs is proposed. This protocol makes use of Genetic Algorithm(GA) to create optimum clusters in terms of energy consumption. Using a standard radio energy dissipation model that is used for the simulation of WSNs, the performance of this algorithm is simulated and compared with an already existing LEACH routing protocol for WSNs.