Cluster-based routing protocols in wireless sensor networks: A survey based on methodology

In today's world that all sciences and technologies, including Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are dealing with the improvement of the existing solutions, we are looking for time-saving and cost-effective approaches that unveil new methods and concepts in the intended field. Survey studies provide a quick and comprehensive access to these concepts in the intended realm. Having this motivation in mind and considering the impact of clustering process on controlling and managing energy consumption of WSNs, we focus on clustering and cluster-based multi-hop routing protocols to provide an expansive assessment in terms of methodology. In this survey, some parameters are presented for evaluating the properties of the different methods. Then, the studied methods are classified from the perspective of methodology into four categories: classical approaches, fuzzy-based approaches, metaheuristic-based approaches and hybrid metaheuristic- and fuzzy-based approaches. In each category of the classification, criteria and parameters are presented according to the type of methodology to evaluate the methods; thenceforth, all methods in each class are evaluated in terms of the clustering-based parameters and methodology-based parameters and eventually discussed. In an effort to provide accurate and useful information and motivate audiences, this evaluation, regardless of providing a useful assessment, intends to propose a new approach for examining methods by considering the methodology-based parameters such as capabilities and constraints, examined inputs and outputs in each method, type of algorithm used in the methods, the purpose of using algorithms, etc. This survey can be useful for researchers as the starting point for a quick understanding of shortcomings and deficiencies in this field to carry out further investigations in the future.