Multipath routing through the firefly algorithm and fuzzy logic in wireless sensor networks

Routing is one of the major challenges in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Unbalanced energy consumption in the routing process of data packets is one of the main issues in WSNs. The issue needs consideration, because the energy level of sensor nodes is limited. Multipath routing methods reduce energy consumption, improve scalability and provide load balancing in WSNs. In this study, we suggested a multipath routing method for homogeneous WSNs. The proposed method includes 3 phases: clustering the network nodes, discovering the paths between CHs, and maintaining the paths. In the first phase, wireless sensor network is clustered through the firefly algorithm. In the second phase, routing is performed between CHs based on the fuzzy logic. Routing between CHs results in creating 2 paths: primary path and backup path. CHs transmit data packets to the base station through the primary paths; however, failures in primary paths cause CHs to employ backup paths. In the third phase, the paths are maintained so that path breakages cause to restart route discovery. The results of the simulation reveal that the proposed multipath routing outperforms other routing methods in end-to-end delay, energy consumption, packet loss rate, and network lifetime.