A Novel Dynamic Transmission Power of Cluster Heads Based Clustering Scheme

Clustering methods are promising tools for ensuring the network scalability and maintainability of large-scale flying ad hoc networks (FANETs). However, due to the high mobility and limited energy resources of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), it is difficult to maintain the network reliability and extend the network life of FANETs. In this paper, a new K-means algorithm is developed, and a dynamic transmission power of the cluster heads based clustering (DTPCH-C) scheme is proposed. The goal of this scheme is presented for FANETs to improve the reliability and lifetime of FANETs. Firstly, the optimal number of clusters is calculated and the initial UAV clusters are set up by a K-means algorithm. Then, using a weighted clustering algorithm, the adaptive node degree, the node energy and the distance from the cluster head are weighted and summed for the cluster head election. In the process of inter-cluster communication, the cluster head adjusts its transmit power in real-time through meshing and mobile prediction, thus saving the energy consumption and improving the network lifetime. The proposed DTPCH-C simultaneously optimizes the cluster number, the cluster head energy consumption, the selected cluster head, and the cluster maintenance process. The simulation results show that compared with traditional clustering methods, the proposed DTPCH-C has obvious advantages in terms of the network reliability, network life, and energy consumption.