This paper proposes a novel routing algorithm that constructs position-based k-disjoint paths to realize greater resiliency to patterned failure. The proposed algorithm constructs k-disjoint paths that are spatially distributed by using the hop-count based positioning system. Simulation results reveal that the proposed algorithm is more resilient to patterned failure than other routing algorithms, while it has low power consumption and small delay.

Wireless sensor networks are subject to node and link failures for a variety of reasons. This paper proposes a k-disjoint-path routing algorithm that varies the number of disjoint paths (k) in order to meet a target-delivery ratio of critical events and to reduce energy consumption. The proposed algorithm sends packets to the base station through a single path without the occurrence of critical events, however, it sends packets to the base station through k disjoint paths (k>1) under the occurrence of critical events, where k is computed from a well-defined fault model. The proposed algorithm detects the occurrence of critical events by monitoring collected data patterns. The simulation results reveal that the proposed algorithm is more resilient to random node failure and patterned failure than other routing algorithms, and it also decreases energy consumption much more than the multi-path and path-repair algorithms.