Abstract: LEACH is a low energy consumption and adaptive clustering hierarchy algorithm for wireless sensor networks (WSN). And it has many disadvantages such as random selection of cluster head, taking no account of the remaining energy and position of nodes. To solve these problems, a LEACH protocol based on improved cuckoo search algorithm is proposed. Cuckoo search algorithm (CS) is a novel intelligent optimization algorithm. In order to improve the local search ability of the algorithm, the standard cuckoo search algorithm is improved. Firstly, weight coefficient is introduced to adjust the convergence speed of the algorithm. Secondly, all individuals are sorted according to their function values, the population can be divided into two parts after sorting. The individuals of two different parts choose different ways to fly, for avoiding the better individuals into the local optimums. The improved protocol divides the cluster head selection process into optimization of temporary cluster head and formal cluster head selection. First, we generate temporary cluster heads by traditional LEACH protocol, then optimize these cluster heads based on MCS and select formal cluster heads according to the remaining energy of nodes. The result of experiment shows that, comparing with LEACH, LEACH-MCS can balance the network load efficiently, improve the energy utilization, and prolong the network lifetime.

Key words: cuckoo search algorithm, LEACH protocol, cluster head, WSN