RFID and Sensor Networks: Architectures, Protocols, Security and Integrations
(EN)
The use of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has grown enormously in the last decade,
pointing out the crucial need for scalable and energy-efficient routing and data gathering
and aggregation protocols in corresponding large-scale environments. Hierarchical
clustering protocols (as opposed to direct single-tier communication schemes) have extensively
been used toward the above directions. Moreover, they can greatly contribute to
overall system scalability, lifetime, and energy efficiency. In this chapter the state of the art
in corresponding hierarchical clustering approaches for large-scale WSN environments is
presented. The need for clustering in WSNs is first motivated and a brief description of
the implied hierarchical network pattern is given. The basic advantages, objectives, and
design challenges are also briefly explored. A set of appropriate taxonomy parameters as
well as a global classification scheme is then introduced. In the main body of the chapter
the most significant of the existing WSN clustering algorithms are concisely presented
and commented according to the previously stated parameters and classification scheme.
The chapter is concluded by stating some general remarks as well as some open research
issues in the field.
(EN)
