The dynamic clustering-based hierarchical routing protocols are one of the methods
used to save energy and increase the lifetime of wireless sensor networks, however, that
most of the researches are neglecting the energy expended in election of the
heads and
formation of clusters in the network.
In this paper, we examine the overhead energy caused by hierarchical routing
protocols based on dynamic clustering and study its impact on the stability period of the
wireless sensor networks. Also, we proposed a solution to limit this energy by reducing the
consumed energy in election of heads and clusters formation operations. It is shown
through the simulation results that the energy consumed in LEACH setup phase decreases
the stability period of these networks and increases the number of dead nodes. And the use
of the proposed solution reduced the energy consumption during the election of the heads
and the formation of clusters clearly compared to the normal way followed in LEACH,
which has increased stability period and the number of live nodes in the network.