In this work, we propose a routing protocol based on clustering (IGP-C protocol) with the aim of extending the lifetime of wireless sensor networks while optimising other resources (memory and processor). The simulation results obtained show that the IGP-C protocol offers better performance than other protocols proposed in the literature. It allows a better distribution of energy, memory and processing capacities of the cluster-heads and reduces the number of solitary clusters as well as the number of iterations. In addition, the proposed routing strategy, built around the clustering algorithm, is efficient because it reduces the data transmission delay and thus extends the lifetime of the network. Another contribution was presented in this work. This consists of applying a cooperative MIMO strategy to a hierarchical routing protocol. The cooperative strategy adopted has extended the lifetime of the nodes and guaranteed the stability of the network.