Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) consist of small, multifunctional nodes distributed across various locations to monitor and record parameters. These nodes store data and transmit signals for further processing, forming a crucial topic of study. Monitoring the network's status in WSN applications using clustering systems is essential. Collaboration among sensors from various domains enhances the precision of localised information reporting. However, nodes closer to the data sink consume more energy, leading to hotspot challenges. To address these challenges, this research employs clustering and optimised routing techniques. The aggregation of information involves creating clusters, further divided into sub-clusters. Each cluster includes a Cluster Head (CH) or Sensor Nodes (SN) without a CH. Clustering inherently optimises CHs' capabilities, enhances network activity, and establishes a systematic network topology. This model accommodates both multi-hop and single-hop systems. This research focuses on selecting CHs using a Genetic Algorithm (GA), considering various factors. While GA possesses strong exploration capabilities, it requires effective management. This research uses Prairie Dog Optimization (PDO) to overcome this challenge. The proposed Hotspot Mitigated Prairie with Genetic Algorithm (HM-PGA) significantly improves WSN performance, particularly in hotspot avoidance. With HM-PGA, it achieves a network lifetime of 20913 milliseconds and 310 joules of remaining energy. Comparative analysis with existing techniques demonstrates the superiority of the proposed approach.
Copyright: © 2024 Mohammed Y. Aalsalem. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.