Analysis of the optimal number of clusters and probability in homogeneous unreliable WSNs

In this paper, we propose a simple simulation model for analyzing and evaluating the low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) protocol’s performance in a noisy realistic wireless environment. A general parameter called probability of reception ( p r ) describes the noise level in this model. The success or failure of packet reception between sender and receiver can be used to assess the impact of network noise. The LEACH algorithm’s energy model has been modified to include the noise factor ( p r ). Based on the new modified energy model, new analytical formulas for the optimal number of clusters and the optimal probability of a node becoming a cluster head are derived. Furthermore, we investigate what network dimensions are required to achieve the optimal number of clusters in a noisy environment, as this will increase the network’s lifetime. It is demonstrated that the optimal number of clusters, and thus the optimal probability of CHs, are shown to be achieved by two factors: short wireless links formed within the clusters and equal network layout dimensions. Noise is shown to have a significant negative impact on the LEACH protocol’s operation, particularly on network life time, throughput, and the protocol’s stability and instability periods.