NOA: A Scalable Multi-Parent Clustering Hierarchy for WSNs

Abstract NOA is a multi-hop, multi-parent, N-tiered, hierarchical clustering algorithm that provides a scalable, robust and reliable solution for autonomous configuration of large-scale wireless sensor networks. The novel clustering hierarchy's inherent benefits can be utilized by in-network data processing techniques to provide a robust data processing solution capable of reducing the amount of data sent to data sinks. Utilizing a multi-parent framework, NOA reduces the cost of network configuration when compared to current hierarchical beaconing solutions by removing the r-hop fi (where r is the radius of the cluster). NOA instead utilizes common children to distribute information about the hierarchy's topology to siblings. NOA 2 , a two-parent clustering hierarchy solution, and NOA 3 , the three-parent variant, saw up to an 83% and 72% reduction in communication overhead, respectively, when compared to configuring the network using a one-parent hierarchical beaconing solution, as well as 92% and 88% less overhead when compared to two-and three-parent variants of hierarchical beaconing.