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| In this paper, we investigate the heterogeneity of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in detail, including the hardware and software heterogeneity. To meet the demands of factual applications for heterogeneous WSNs (HWSNs) models, we propose an application-oriented model with multi-type of sensor nodes, which considers the sensing, computation, communication and energy heterogeneity. Additionally, a function of optimal number of clusters is obtained as well through modeling and analyzing the energy consumption of this clustered HWSNs model, which would generalize the most of investigated clustered HWSNs models. Furthermore, the numerical analysis and simulation about the
relationship between the number of clusters and network lifetime show that different number of clusters will affect the lifetime of networks obviously, and the optimal number of cluster heads maximizes the network lifetime. More importantly, this function of optimal number of clusters and the proposed clustered HWSNs model will provide guidance for designing the energy efficient clustered protocols and establish a bridge between the homogeneous and inhomogeneous WSNs. |
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| Keywords:wireless sensor networks; heterogeneity; clustering; energy efficiency |
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