Abstract: In the inter-cluster routing protocol of wireless sensor networks, cluster head single hop or multiple hops communication, cluster energy consumption will lead to imbalance. In order to balance the energy consumption, the new protocol based on LEACH-C, introduces a threshold of distance. If the cluster head distance from the base station is less than the threshold value, the single hop communication should be conducted. If the cluster head distance from the base station is greater than the threshold, the multi-hop communication should be conducted, also a guaranteed delay new multi-hop routing algorithm is proposed. This protocol effectively reduces the cluster head node energy consumption, balances network load.

Key words: wireless sensor networks, cluster routing protocol, distance, threshold, network load balancing