VERD: A Proficient Algorithm for Selecting Cluster Leaders in Wireless Sensor Networks

Energy conservation poses a significant challenge in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) due to the limited energy of sensors. Consequently, clustering has emerged as the most effective approach for achieving optimal energy utilization and prolonging the lifetime of sensors in networks. Establishing cluster leaders or cluster heads is essential in cluster sensor networks to handle the aggregation and transmission of data traffic from the cluster. However, the cluster head selection algorithm introduces instability to the network. VERD is a proficient cluster head selection algorithm that uses the node’s visibility index, node’s energy, received signal strength indicator, and distance from the sink to derive the eligibility index for a cluster head selection. To enhance efficiency, VERD considered a few sensors within a certain distance radius of the sink as independent. Independent sensors communicated directly with the sink, thereby reducing the load on the selected cluster heads. VERD was evaluated with HEEL, SEP, and PEGASIS algorithms, and its performance showed an appreciable improvement in the network’s energy conservation. Furthermore, while the WSN’s lifetime was extended by 36.65%, the network stability improved by an average of 46.08%.