A Hybrid Cluster-Based Energy-Efficient Routing Framework for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Year 2026,
Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 244 - 251, 16.12.2025
Gurram Bhavana
,
Rajesh Mitukula
Abstract
Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) are important to facilitate effective communication of data in harsh aquatic conditions. Efficient routing is necessary in ensuring the transmission of data is reliable and consuming less energy. This paper presents a new algorithm, which is the Cluster-based Traveling Salesman Protocol (CTSP), combining the clustering algorithms with the Traveling Salesman (TS) protocol that will improve the routing efficiency of UWSNs. The main goal of the CTSP is to maximize the data communication among remote cluster heads to the sink node, and as a result minimization of the total energy consumption of the network. The offered framework includes two fundamental modules, which are node clustering and the TS-based routing scheme. The TS protocol is used to identify the most effective data transfer route of sensor nodes so that energy consumption is minimal. At the same time, the clustering algorithm clusters spatially close nodes so that local intra-cluster communication can be done, eliminating long distance communications between clusters. This hybrid approach is an effective way to reduce the consumption of energy and increase the life of the network.
Ethical Statement
The authors declare that the research presented in this paper was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of academic integrity and scientific research. All authors have reviewed and approved the final manuscript and consent to its publication. There are no conflicts of interest or financial relationships that could have influenced the reported results.
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