Abstract: A genetic algorithm (GA) to solve the problem of path optimization of wireless sensor network (WSN) is proposed. Considering the influences of some practical factors such as the consumption of the energy of the nodes, recovery time of routing, we treat these influences as constraint conditions of path optimization. In order to prolong the lifetime of WSN, variety constraint conditions, multiple objectives are considered according to the priority of importance. The performances of GA are analyzed carefully in this paper, including chromosome representation, coding, fitness function design, genetic operator design, parameters analysis, selection. A large quantity of simulation experiments show that GA is a quick, effective way to find valid optimized route of WSN.