An energy-efficient data gathering technique using multiple paths in wireless sensor networks

Multiple paths have been used to provide load-balancing of traffic and resilience to node failures in mobile ad-hoc networks or sensor networks. In addition, the energy expenditure can be distributed among nodes over the multiple paths. However, most existing multi-path routing protocols require their complex procedures such as local repair or periodic reconstruction of the multiple paths, during which much loss of packet is even experienced. In this paper, we therefore propose an energy-efficient data gathering technique using multiple paths, which is more suitable for highly populated wireless sensor networks in terms of having more simple and resilient features than other existing techniques. By simulation using ns-2 simulator, we prove that it achieves two goals satisfactorily: energy-saving and resilience to node failure.