An optimal weighted cluster based routing protocol for MANET

A MANET is an ad hoc network that can change locations and configure itself dynamically. The link breakage between the nodes due to their movement makes the routing in MANET a difficult process. Grouping the nodes into different clusters can make the task of routing in the network easier. A cluster head is a node present in the geographical region of the cluster and also takes care of the routing and allocation of resources for the cluster members. Nodes register themselves with the cluster head to become members of the cluster. Most clustering algorithms take into account only one factor for clustering. The weighted clustering algorithm takes into account a number of factors such as mobility, degree, battery power and distance to neighbors for clustering process. After clustering the path between any two nodes consists of only clusterheads and gateways of the clusters in the path. This leads to long lived paths between any two nodes. The association and dissociation of nodes to and from clusters perturb the stability of the network topology, and hence reclustering and reconfiguration of the system is often unavoidable. However, it is important to keep the topology stable as long as possible. The clustering algorithm can cooperate with routing algorithm in order to find routes between two nodes. This work mainly consist of three phases. The first phase consist of cleansing the network, which includes identifying the malicious nodes. The second phase consist of the weighted clustering of the network which incorporates a new reclustering condition known as stability factor. The third phase consist of a fuzzy method to choose the best path among the paths available for routing based on the residual energy and mobility of the nodes in the paths.