Abstract : In wireless sensor networks, a reasonable routing algorithm plays a crucial role in improving network lifetime. This paper proposes a new routing algorithm based on the traditional clustering routing protocol LEACH to extend network lifetime and improve network communication quality. This routing algorithm introduces the use of smart antennas. Based on directional propagation, the algorithm not only saves network energy but also allows for flexible cluster configuration and cluster head switching strategies, making this new algorithm not limited to specific topology distribution wireless sensor networks. The innovation of this algorithm lies in using the direction of the antenna to form clusters, achieving energy savings during data transmission and reduced communication overhead due to network routing changes. Keywords: Clustering routing protocol; Wireless sensor network; Smart antenna; Energy saving; Directional propagation 1. Introduction The rapid development of wireless sensor network (WSN) technology is attributed to the advancements in sensor and wireless communication technologies in recent years. Nodes in a wireless sensor network can communicate with neighboring nodes or directly with the base station. A large number of nodes makes it possible to accurately sense and monitor large areas. Each node can efficiently convert the sensed physical information into digital information and decide whether to merge data from other nodes or send its own data to specific neighboring nodes or the base station as needed. Users can obtain the information they need by connecting to wireless sensor networks (WSNs) through infrastructure or the Internet. However, WSNs have certain limitations, such as limited energy supply, limited computing power, and limited wireless link bandwidth for connecting sensors. Furthermore, many WSN applications place strict requirements on the energy consumption of routing protocols. For example, numerous sensors are often randomly distributed in harsh or inaccessible environments by aircraft, making manual battery replacement impossible. These factors make the main goal and challenge of this routing algorithm to extend the lifespan of the wireless sensor network as much as possible while ensuring effective communication. 2. Basic Concepts of Wireless Sensor Networks A wireless sensor network consists of a large number of sensor nodes and one or more base stations (aggregation nodes). The base station acts as a gateway for communication between nodes and other networks. Numerous sensors collect the necessary data and send it to the base station, which then sends different data to different user networks or terminals according to user needs. However, sensor node energy is very limited. If all nodes communicate directly with the base station, nodes far from the base station will rapidly fail (Figure 1). Conversely, simply using a multi-hop routing method [3] is also not ideal, because the node closest to the base station will die quickly due to the large amount of data received by the route, thus preventing the data arriving later from being transmitted to the base station. Among many wireless sensor routing methods, clustering routing algorithms have significant advantages in saving network energy, improving network lifetime, and reducing data redundancy. A new wireless sensor network clustering routing algorithm full text download