# An Energy-Distance-Balanced Cluster Routing Protocol for Smart Microgrid IoT Sensing Networks
## 2 Issue Analysis  
The LEACH protocol, designed as a hierarchical routing strategy, aims to boost energy efficiency and prolong the operational lifespan of sensor networks. This protocol does so by dynamically electing cluster heads and rotating this role among various nodes to distribute energy consumption evenly. However, despite its innovative approach, LEACH faces several inherent challenges due to its fundamental mechanisms.  
EDsHEED lacks distance optimization, while DD-TL-LEACH incurs \(O(N^{2})\) threshold updates--both prohibitive in resource-constrained microgrids [7; 21]. LEACH sets a constant proportion p of cluster heads relative to the total number of nodes. This fixed ratio does not adapt to the changing conditions of the network over time. As the network matures and node failures become more frequent, maintaining a high p value can lead to an excessive number of cluster heads. This not only reduces the overall efficiency of data transmission by increasing the managerial overhead but also accelerates the depletion of nodes' energy reserves. On the other hand, a low p value increases the size of clusters, which can overburden cluster heads and destabilize the network's topology by increasing the average distance for data relay, thereby raising the energy demands for transmission. The protocol's method for cluster formation involves randomly selecting cluster heads without considering the current energy state or geographical positioning of nodes. Such random selection can result in choosing cluster heads that are either too far from the base station or those with insufficient energy reserves, which can lead to increased energy consumption and a risk of network partitioning due to premature node failures. In LEACH, nodes associate themselves with the nearest cluster head within a predetermined radius. This static approach does not account for the varying spatial distribution of nodes across the network. In areas with high node density, a large radius might cause unnecessary energy expenditure during the cluster setup phase due to increased distances to the chosen cluster head, which is not always the optimal one. The protocol does not adjust its cluster head selection mechanism based on the density of nodes in different areas. Consequently, regions with a high concentration of nodes might be underrepresented by cluster heads, leading to an increased load on available heads, whereas sparsely populated areas may end up with surplus cluster heads, resulting in inefficient energy use and reduced data collection effectiveness.  
Existing adaptive protocols (e.g., EDsHEED) prioritize topology dynamism over the energy-distance balance, causing excessive control overhead in static microgrids where node positions are fixed.  
To mitigate these issues, several improvements can be proposed:  
1. Introducing a variable cluster head ratio p that adjusts according to the network's energy status and node distribution could optimize the leadership spread throughout the network's lifecycle, ensuring efficient management and energy usage.
2. Enhancing the selection algorithm to factor in the residual energy of nodes and their proximity to the base station could prevent the election of suboptimal cluster heads, thereby maintaining network integrity and extending operational durability.
3. Implementing a flexible radius that adapts to the actual spatial distribution of nodes can reduce redundant energy consumption and ensure that nodes connect to the most strategically advantageous cluster head.
4. Adjusting the clustering mechanism to reflect local node density can balance cluster head distribution, ensuring that all parts of the network are adequately serviced without overburdening any single cluster head.