<![CDATA[Clustering is the fundamental issue in terms of ensuring long-term operation of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The problem of hot spots remains the most prominent research challenge relating to the design of energy-efficient clustering algorithm. This paper proposed a protocol, namely an uneven clustering and fuzzy logic-based energy-efficient (UCFLEE), for prolonging network lifetime. Depending on the communication distance, the UCFLEE protocol divides the network into uneven clusters for suppressing the hot spot problem. The fuzzy logic selects the optimal cluster head in accordance with certain parameters. The advocated method adopts a dynamic energy threshold to chnage the cluster head. The UCFLEE protocol is dependent on the iterative deepening A (IDA) star algorithm for identifying the routing path from the cluster heads to the base station. The IDA-star method is reliant upon a cost bounded method to select the optimal solution for the base station. The UCFLEE protocol is tested and subsequently contrasted with other protocols. The results obtained from the UCFLEE protocol enable an energy consumption equilibrium, eradicates the hot spot challenge, while also attaining maximum network lifetime.]]>
