  Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are self-organizing monitoring networks with
a large number of randomly deployed microsensor nodes to collect various
physical information to realize tasks such as intelligent perception, efficient
control, and decision-making. However, WSN nodes are powered by batteries, so
they will run out of energy after a certain time. This energy limitation will
greatly constrain the network performance like network lifetime and energy
efficiency. In this study, to prolong the network lifetime, we proposed a
multi-hop routing protocol based on game theory and coverage optimization
(MRP-GTCO). Briefly, in the stage of setup, two innovational strategies
including a clustering game with penalty function and cluster head coverage set
were designed to realize the uniformity of cluster head distribution and
improve the rationality of cluster head election. In the data transmission
stage, we first derived the applicable conditions theorem of inter-cluster
multi-hop routing. Based on this, a novel multi-hop path selection algorithm
related to residual energy and node degree was proposed to provide an
energy-efficient data transmission path. The simulation results showed that the
MRP-GTCO protocol can effectively reduce the network energy consumption and
extend the network lifetime by 159.22%, 50.76%, and 16.46% compared with LGCA,
RLEACH, and ECAGT protocols.
