Implementation and Iterative Analysis of LEACH and Its Variants in UWSN Protocols

Abstract

The LEACH protocol is widely used for analysing and simulating underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs). This paper examines the impact of varying parameter values in the LEACH protocol and presents simulation results. The findings indicate that commonly used parameters are applicable only to specific network environments. Underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) have gained significant research attention due to their diverse applications. These networks consist of numerous small sensor nodes powered by self-charged batteries. While some nodes allow battery replacement, others operate in environments where changing the power source is impractical. As a result, network degradation over time poses a major challenge, making prolonging the lifespan of UWSNs a critical research focus. Several UWSN protocols have been developed to enhance network longevity. This study explores LEACH and its modified versions, including V-LEACH, TL-LEACH, S-LEACH, and Multi-hop LEACH, to evaluate their effectiveness in wireless sensor networks. LEACH and Multi-hop LEACH are simulated using NS2, and their performance is assessed through detailed charts and comparative analysis to validate the efficiency of these protocols.