Fuzzy logic based clustering in wireless sensor networks: a survey

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have limited resources, thus extending the lifetime has always been an issue of great interest. Recent developments in WSNs have led to various new fuzzy systems, specifically designed for WSNs where energy awareness is an essential consideration. In several applications, the clustered WSN are known to perform better than flat WSN, if the energy consumption in clustering operation itself could be minimised. Routing in clustered WSN is very efficient, especially when the challenge of finding the optimum number of intermediate cluster heads can be resolved. Fortunately, several fuzzy logic based solutions have been proposed for these jobs. Both single- and two-level fuzzy logic approaches are being used for cluster head election in which several distinguished features of WSN have been considered in making a decision. This article surveys the recent fuzzy applications for cluster head selection in WSNs and presents a comparative study for the various approaches pursued.