User-oriented fuzzy logic-based clustering scheme for vehicular ad-hoc networks

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) are considered to have an enormous potential in enhancing road traffic safety and traffic efficiency. Socio-economic challenges, network scalability and stability are identified among the main challenges in VANETs. In response to these challenges, this paper proposes a novel user-oriented Fuzzy Logic-based k-hop distributed clustering scheme for VANETs that takes into consideration the vehicle passenger preferences. The novelty element introduced is the employment of Fuzzy Logic as a prominent player in the clustering scheme. To the best knowledge of the authors, there are no Fuzzy Logic-based clustering algorithms designed for VANETs. Simulation-based testing demonstrate how the proposed solution increases the stability of vehicular networks, lifetime and stability of cluster heads compared to both the classic LowestID algorithm and an utility function-based clustering scheme previously proposed by the same authors.