Adaptive load balancing in distributed cloud environment: Hybrid Kookaburra-Osprey optimization algorithm

Abstract

A distributed cloud environment is characterized by the dispersion of computing resources, services, and applications across multiple locations or data centres. This distribution enhances scalability, redundancy, and resource utilization efficiency. To optimize performance and prevent any single node from becoming a bottleneck, it is imperative to implement effective load-balancing strategies, particularly as user demands vary and certain nodes experience increased processing requirements. This research introduces an Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB) approach aimed at maximizing the efficiency and reliability of distributed cloud environments. The approach employs a three-step process: Chunk Creation, Task Allocation, and Load Balancing. In the Chunk Creation step, a novel Improved Fuzzy C-means clustering (IFCMC) clustering method categorizes similar tasks into clusters for assignment to Physical Machines (PMs). Subsequently, a hybrid optimization algorithm called the Kookaburra-Osprey Updated Optimization Algorithm (KOU), incorporating the Kookaburra Optimization Algorithm (KOA) and Osprey Optimization Algorithm (OOA), allocates tasks assigned to PMs to Virtual Machines (VMs) in the Task Allocation step, considering various constraints. The Load Balancing step ensures even distribution of tasks among VMs, considering migration cost and efficiency. This systematic approach, by efficiently distributing tasks across VMs within the distributed cloud environment, contributes to enhanced efficiency and scalability. Further, the contribution of the ALB approach in enhancing the efficiency and scalability of distributed cloud environments is evaluated through analyses. The KBA is 1189.279, BES is 629.240, ACO is 1017.889, Osprey is 1147.300, SMO is 1215.148, APDPSO is 1191.014, and DGWO is 1095.405, respectively. The resource utilization attained by the KOU method is 1224.433 at task 1000.