Controlled Multi-Path Routing in Sensor Networks Using Bezier Curves

We address the problem of extending the lifetime of wireless sensor networks using multi-path routing based on a family of flexible routes with soft quality of service guarantees in terms of the packets' delivery latency. We introduce a methodology based on Bezier curves as guiding trajectories in the routing process and we address the balancing of the workload among neighboring nodes. An added benefit, due to the flexibility of the Bezier curves, is that the shapes of the (alternate) routes can be constructed in a manner that prolongs the lifetime of the nodes in the vicinity of a given source/sink. We describe a forwarding algorithm, where the relay nodes can determine locally the Bezier curve they belong to and which requires only the transmission of the so-called control points that determine the shape of one (boundary) curve. We also show how our forwarding algorithm can be adapted to incorporate the sleep-schedule of the individual nodes, thereby further prolonging the networks' lifetime. Our simulations demonstrate that the Bezier-based routing algorithms can yield significant improvements in the networks' overall lifetime. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]