OEEFCP – an optimal energy efficient framework employing cluster communication based routing protocol for UWCNs

Underwater Acoustic Networks are gaining in popularity because of their usage in underwater communication. The communication is facilitated with sensors and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), also termed as UWCNs (Underwater Wireless Communication Networks). The QoS expected of underwater networks is effective transmission along with an extended lifespan of the network. This can be achieved with strategically placed clusters underwater which help in transmitting effectively. Clustering can be strategically used to securely transmit the data while conserving the node energy.This paper proposes an Optimal and Energy Efficient Framework for Cluster Communication Based Routing Protocol for UWCNs (OEEFCP).This scheme works in two phases. Phase-1 focuses on selecting an optimal CH (a Robust Cluster Head) which will be responsible for selecting an efficient carrier of data. Additionally, we have used probability in selecting the optimum number of clusters and CHs. Phase-2 uses an effective multipath energy model which will focus on transmitting data through effective communication channels. A RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value is used to determine a gateway node out of the optimal CHs. The robust gateway nodes thus selected will supply data to the AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) nearest to them. The AUV nodes will then transfer the data via a communication link and thereon towards a destination on land. The proposed technique focuses on a cost effective solution for underwater transmission. The proposed OEEFCP is analyzed with existing schemes such as OC-TARE-TOPSIS and TARE-TOPSIS protocols, using the NS2 simulator. The analysis confirms that the proposed OEEFCP is capable of achieving a good performance in achieving an extended network lifespan, throughput, energy conservation and a maximized PDR. Our proposed OEEFCP scheme shows a 65% increase in PDR over the other existing methods.