Abstract: Aiming at the problem that distribution of nodes was not uniform and energy consumption of nodes was too fast and current routing algorithms seriously affected the survival time of wireless sensor networks, we proposed a wireless sensor network routing algorithm based on node clustering and optimal distance. Firstly, the algorithm simulated the connection process of biological cells to realize clustering process of sensor network nodes, then balanced the relationship between network survival time and energy consumption, and determined optimal path of data routing according to distance between cluster
 head and base station. Finally, the routing algorithm was realized by using MATLAB R2014b toolbox. Compared with other algorithms, experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can prolong the survival time of the whole sensor network, effectively reduce energy consumption, and improve the utilization rate of energy.

Key words: optimal distance, wireless sensor network (WSN), biological cell, routing strategy, survival time, energy consumption