Energy-Aware Cluster-Based Routing in IoT-Driven Next-GenerationWireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are a fundamental enabler of Internet of Things (IoT) applications in 5G and beyond. Energy constraints of sensor nodes remain a critical challenge, directly impacting network lifetime and reliability. This paper introduces “Balanced Cluster Routing Protocol (BCRP)”, a hierarchical hybrid protocol designed to improve energy efficiency and prolong network sustainability. The protocol applies the “k-means algorithm” for clustering, where the node with the highest residual energy nearest to the centroid is elected as the cluster head (CH). The CH aggregates and forwards data to the base station (BS). Once nearly two-thirds of the nodes deplete their energy, the protocol shifts to a chaining phase, enabling the remaining nodes to transmit data using multi-hop routing. This adaptive approach balances energy consumption across the network, minimizes premature node failures, and extends operational lifetime. Simulation and theoretical analysis demonstrate that Optimal-BCRP achieves superior energy savings and stability compared to conventional routing techniques, making it a promising solution for energy-aware IoT-enabled WSNs in next-generation communication environments. DOI