Bulletin of Electrical Engineering and Informatics Vol. 14, No. 1, February 2025, pp. 733~741 ISSN: 2302-9285, DOI: 10.11591/eei.v14i1.8863  733 Journal homepage: http://beei.org Cluster-based routing protocols through optimal cluster head selection for mobile ad hoc network Yenework Alayu Melkamu 1 , Raguraman Purushothaman 2 , Madugula Sujatha 3 , Komal Kumar Napa 4 , Mareye Zeleke Mekonen 5 , Tsehay Admassu Assegie 6 , Ayodeji Olalekan Salau 7,8 1 Department of Computer Network, College of Informatics, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia 2 Department of Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence), Madanapalle Institute of Technology & Science, Madanapalle, India 3 Department of Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning), Kakatiya Institute of Technology Science Warangal, Telangana, India 4 Department of Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science), Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science, Madanapalle, India 5 Department of Information Technology, College of Engineering and Technology, Injibara University, Injbara, Ethiopia 6 School of Electronics Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea 7 Department of Electrical/Electronics and Computer Engineering, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria 8 Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Article Info ABSTRACT Article history: Received Jun 13, 2024 Revised Aug 27, 2024 Accepted Sep 4, 2024 Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) operate without fixed infrastructure, with mobile nodes acting as both hosts and routers. These networks face challenges due to node mobility and limited resources, causing frequent changes in topology and instability. Clustering is essential to manage this issue. Significant research has been devoted to optimal clustering algorithms to improve cluster-based routing protocols (CBRP), such as the weighted clustering algorithm (WCA), optimal stable clustering algorithm (OSCA), lowest ID (LID) clustering algorithm, and highest connectivity clustering (HCC) algorithm. However, these protocols suffer from high re-clustering frequency and do not adequately account for energy efficiency, leading to network instability and reduced longevity. This work aims to improve the CBRP to create a more stable and long-lasting network. During cluster head (CH) selection, nodes with high residual energy or degree centrality are chosen as CH and backup cluster head (BCH). This approach eliminates the need for re-clustering, as the BCH can seamlessly replace a failing CH, ensuring continuous cluster maintenance. The proposed modified cluster- based routing protocol (MCBRP) evaluated network simulator 2 (ns2) demonstrates that MCBRP is more energy-efficient, selecting optimal CH and balancing the load to enhance network stability and longevity. Keywords: Clustering mobile ad hoc networks Mobile nodes Mobility selection Optimal cluster head selection Wireless network This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license. Corresponding Author: Tsehay Admassu Assegie School of Electronics Engineering, Kyungpook National University 41566, Daegu, Republic of Korea Email: tsehayadmassu2006@gmail.com 1. INTRODUCTION Wireless networks serve as essential communication infrastructures that facilitate connectivity without the reliance on wired materials or cables. They offer pervasive communication capabilities, enabling continuous connectivity through portable devices that require access points or base stations. While conventional wireless networks necessitate stable infrastructure, mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) provide a decentralized alternative where wireless nodes communicate directly without fixed access points. These