A stable clustering algorithm using the traffic regularity of buses in urban VANET scenarios

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) use clustering to manage data dissemination among vehicles. However, the high dynamic mobility of vehicles can lead to frequent re-clustering and decreased cluster stability. In previous work, cluster heads are selected generally based on mobility characteristics of vehicles, failing to take into account spatial and temporal dependency. Several studies have proposed cluster management mechanisms that increase cluster stability. However, in doing so these mechanisms generate excessive communication packets. In this paper, we propose CATRB, a stable clustering algorithm that uses the traffic regularity of buses while considering the mobility of vehicles such as velocity, position, and direction. In particular, we use the fixed routes of buses in urban areas as a reference index. In a regular triangle, its centroid, incenter, and circumcenter are all at the same point. Our scheme applies this idea to choose the most appropriate cluster header in VANETs. We develop an analytic model and a simulation model to evaluate the performance of CATRB. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme significantly improves cluster stability by decreasing the number of cluster head changes.