An Efficient Clustering Protocol for Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks are considered an integral part of the Internet of Things, which is the focus of research centers and governments around the world. Clustering mechanisms and cognitive radio, in turn, are considered promising wireless network technologies for network management and spectral efficiency, respectively. In this paper, we consider the flaws in the previously proposed network stability-aware clustering technique. In particular, we demonstrate that existing solutions do not operate properly based on the remaining energy and the quality of available common channels, even if their fusion is declared. In addition, security issues have not been sufficiently developed. We offer an approach to address these flaws. To improve protocol efficiency, the problem of parameter tuning is discussed, and a performance analysis of the proposed solution is provided as well.