Computation Offloading Research Articles

Cache-assisted computation offloading for workflow applications in industrial internet of things

The Internet of Things plays an important role in the process of industrial intelligence. It facilitates the connection between devices and the Internet to enable the gathering and analysis of industrial data. However, industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications are highly susceptible to latency, have strict energy consumption limitations, and impose specific demands on the resources of IIoT devices. Fortunately, edge computing can migrate tasks to the edge server or cloud platform to deal with the above shortcomings. Nevertheless, tasks generated by IIoT devices in industrial production have a higher rate of repetition, and repetitive execution of the same task diminishes the operational efficiency of the edge system. In this regard, we can cache high-value tasks through task caching to reduce redundant execution. The aforementioned idea can be described as a joint optimization problem of computation offloading and task caching with resource constraints in IIoT. To address this challenge, we establish an edge-empowered service model and propose a cache-assisted computation offloading algorithm for IIoT applications. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms some critical methods in terms of energy consumption and latency.

Utility optimization for computation offloading and splitting in time-varying HAP and LEO satellite integrated MEC networks

To provide ubiquitous and low-latency communication and computation services for remote and disaster areas, high altitude platform (HAP) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite integrated multi-access edge computing (HLS-MEC) networks have emerged as a promising solution. However, most current studies directly assume that the number of connected satellites is fixed and neglect the modeling of the time-varying multi-satellite computing process. Motivated by this, we establish an M/G/K(t) queuing model to illustrate task computation on satellites. To evaluate the efficiency and quality of computation offloading and splitting, we develop a utility model. This model is defined as a difference between a value function that assesses the trade-offs of task offloading, considering latency reductions and energy savings, and a cost function that quantifies expenses related to latency and energy consumption. After formulating the utility maximization problem, we propose the deep reinforcement learning-based offloading and splitting (DBOS) scheme that can overcome the time-varying uncertainties and high dynamics in the HLS-MEC network. Specifically, the DBOS scheme can learn the best computation offloading and splitting policy to maximize the utility by sensing the number of connected satellites, the distance between the HAP and satellites, the available computing resources, and the task arrival rate. Finally, we evaluate and validate the computational complexity and convergence property of the DBOS scheme. Numerical results show that the DBOS scheme outperforms the other three benchmarks and maximizes the utility under time-varying dynamics.

Joint Computation Offloading and Trajectory Optimization for Edge Computing UAV: A KNN-DDPG Algorithm

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are widely used to improve the coverage and communication quality of wireless networks and assist mobile edge computing (MEC) due to their flexible deployments. However, the UAV-assisted MEC systems also face challenges in terms of computation offloading and trajectory planning in the dynamic environment. This paper employs deep reinforcement learning to jointly optimize the computation offloading and trajectory planning for UAV-assisted MEC system. Specifically, this paper investigates a general scenario where multiple pieces of user equipment (UE) offload tasks to a UAV equipped with a MEC server to collaborate on a complex job. By fully considering UAV and UE movement, computation offloading ratio, and blocked relations, a joint computation offloading and trajectory optimization problem is formulated to minimize the maximum computational delay. Due to the non-convex nature of the problem, it is converted into a Markov decision process, and solved by the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm. To enhance the exploration capability and stability of DDPG, the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm is employed, namely KNN-DDPG. Moreover, the prioritized experience replay algorithm, where the constant learning rate is replaced by the decaying learning rate, is utilized to enhance the converge. To validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm, KNN-DDPG is compared with the benchmark DDPG algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that KNN-DDPG can converge and achieve 3.23% delay reduction compared to DDPG.

Implementation of Hybrid Adaptive Learning Algorithm for Task Offloading

Objectives: Offloading tasks in edge computing (EC) plays an important role in optimizing resource utilization and enhancing the system performance. This paper studies various AI-based computation offloading (CO) strategies and proposes a hybrid Adaptive Learning Algorithm, that reduces the latency significantly compared to traditional RL-based on-policy and off-policy algorithms namely Q-Learning (QL) and State Action Reward State Action (SARSA) for CO in an EC environment. The paper evaluates and compares the efficiency of the proposed algorithms in optimizing dynamic offloading decisions, focusing on factors such as latency. Methods: The research is inspired by existing literature that has discovered the various applications of QL and SARSA in CO and mobile EC. This paper inspects how these algorithms perform in terms of reducing overall latency and proposes an adaptive hybrid algorithm. Novelty: Although other AI-based techniques exist in earlier research on CO in EC, the primary novelty proposed is the addition of a hybrid adaptive RL algorithm. Factors impacting the task offloading decision are crucial in the proposed algorithm. Moreover, the decision is not based only on static policies; the current state is the driving factor for decision-making. Findings: The exploration and exploitation handshake is very promising in reducing latency, as seen in the simulation results. The proposed algorithm outperforms Q-Learning and SARSA in terms of latency. Keywords: Computation offloading, Mobile Edge Computing, Reinforcement learning, Q­learning, SARSA

Energy Efficiency Maximization for Multi-UAV-IRS-Assisted Marine Vehicle Systems

Mobile edge computing is envisioned as a prospective technology for supporting time-sensitive and computation-intensive applications in marine vehicle systems. However, the offloading performance is highly impacted by the poor wireless channel. Recently, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with an Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS), i.e., UIRS, has drawn attention due to its capability to control wireless signals so as to improve the data rate. In this paper, we consider a multi-UIRS-assisted marine vehicle system where UIRSs are deployed to assist in the computation offloading of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). To improve energy efficiency, the optimization problem of the association relationships, computation resources of USVs, multi-UIRS phase shifts, and multi-UIRS trajectories is formulated. To solve the mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem, we decompose it into two layers and propose an integrated convex optimization and deep reinforcement learning algorithm to attain the near-optimal solution. Specifically, the inner layer solves the discrete variables by using the convex optimization based on Dinkelbach and relaxation methods, and the outer layer optimizes the continuous variables based on the Multi-Agent Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MATD3). The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the energy efficiency of the multi-UIRS-assisted marine vehicle system in comparison with the benchmarks.

Dual-timescale resource management for multi-type caching placement and multi-uer computation offloading in Internet of Vehicle

In Internet of Vehicle (IoV), edge computing can effectively reduce task processing delays and meet the real-time needs of connected-vehicle applications. However, since the requirements for caching and computing resources vary across heterogeneous vehicle requests, a new challenge is posed on the resource management in the three-tier cloud–edge-end architecture, particularly when multi users offload tasks in the same time. Our work comprehensively considers various scenarios involving the deployment of multiple caching types from multi-users and the distinct time scales of offloading and updating, then builds a joint optimization caching placement, computation offloading and computational resource allocation model, aiming to minimize overall latency. Meanwhile, to better solving the model, we propose the Multi-node Collaborative Caching, Offloading, and Resource Allocation Algorithm (MCCO-RAA). MCCO-RAA utilizes dual time scales to optimize the problem: employing a Bellman optimization idea-based multi-node collaborative greedy caching placement strategy at large time scales, and a computational offloading and resource allocation strategy based on a two-tier iterative Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) and cooperative game at small time scales. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed scheme achieves a 28% reduction in overall system latency compared to the baseline scheme, with smoother latency variations under different parameters.

Computation Offloading and Quantization Schemes for Federated Satellite-Ground Graph Networks

Computation Offloading and Quantization Schemes for Federated Satellite-Ground Graph Networks

DDQN-based online computation offloading and application caching for dynamic edge computing service management

Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) reduces task service latency and energy consumption by offloading computing tasks to MEC servers. However, constrained by the limited bandwidth and computing resources, MEC servers often cannot parallelly process all computing tasks. Simultaneously, the high dynamism of service popularity necessitates MEC servers to dynamically update cached applications, under ensuring compliance with storage resource constraints and the system cache updating cost budget for service providers. In response to the above two issues, this paper firstly formulates computation offloading and application caching as a dual-timescale decision optimization problem, aiming to minimize the average service latency for users by obtaining optimal offloading decision, cache decision, transmission bandwidth, and computing resource. Then, we propose a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL)-based two-stage online computation offloading and application caching (DTSO2C) algorithm, effectively stabilizing application cache update costs and enhancing Quality of Service (QoS) for users. Furthermore, we utilize convex optimization algorithms to derive the optimal communication bandwidth and computing resource allocation strategy, further reducing the average service latency for users. Simulation results demonstrate that the DTSO2C algorithm outperforms the compared algorithms, achieving an average reduction in service latency of 66.2%, with an average cache update cost of only 0.15 USD per time frame.

All-Pay Auction Based Profit Maximization in End-to-End Computation Offloading System

All-Pay Auction Based Profit Maximization in End-to-End Computation Offloading System

Multiobjective Deep Reinforcement Learning for Computation Offloading and Trajectory Control in UAV-Base-Station-Assisted MEC

Multiobjective Deep Reinforcement Learning for Computation Offloading and Trajectory Control in UAV-Base-Station-Assisted MEC

A Survey on Reduction of Energy Consumption in Fog Networks-Communications and Computations.

Fog networking has become an established architecture addressing various applications with strict latency, jitter, and bandwidth constraints. Fog Nodes (FNs) allow for flexible and effective computation offloading and content distribution. However, the transmission of computational tasks, the processing of these tasks, and finally sending the results back still incur energy costs. We survey the literature on fog computing, focusing on energy consumption. We take a holistic approach and look at energy consumed by devices located in all network tiers from the things tier through the fog tier to the cloud tier, including communication links between the tiers. Furthermore, fog network modeling is analyzed with particular emphasis on application scenarios and the energy consumed for communication and computation. We perform a detailed analysis of model parameterization, which is crucial for the results presented in the surveyed works. Finally, we survey energy-saving methods, putting them into different classification systems and considering the results presented in the surveyed works. Based on our analysis, we present a classification and comparison of the fog algorithmic models, where energy is spent on communication and computation, and where delay is incurred. We also classify the scenarios examined by the surveyed works with respect to the assumed parameters. Moreover, we systematize methods used to save energy in a fog network. These methods are compared with respect to their scenarios, objectives, constraints, and decision variables. Finally, we discuss future trends in fog networking and how related technologies and economics shall trade their increasing development with energy consumption.

Generative AI-Enabled Energy-Efficient Mobile Augmented Reality in Multi-Access Edge Computing

This paper proposes a novel offloading and super-resolution (SR) control scheme for energy-efficient mobile augmented reality (MAR) in multi-access edge computing (MEC) using SR as a promising generative artificial intelligence (GAI) technology. Specifically, SR can enhance low-resolution images into high-resolution versions using GAI technologies. This capability is particularly advantageous in MAR by lowering the bitrate required for network transmission. However, this SR process requires considerable computational resources and can introduce latency, potentially overloading the MEC server if there are numerous offload requests for MAR services. In this context, we conduct an empirical study to verify that the computational latency of SR increases with the upscaling level. Therefore, we demonstrate a trade-off between computational latency and improved service satisfaction when upscaling images for object detection, as it enhances the detection accuracy. From this perspective, determining whether to apply SR for MAR, while jointly controlling offloading decisions, is challenging. Consequently, to design energy-efficient MAR, we rigorously formulate analytical models for the energy consumption of a MAR device, the overall latency and the MAR satisfaction of service quality from the enforcement of the service accuracy, taking into account the SR process at the MEC server. Finally, we develop a theoretical framework that optimizes the computation offloading and SR control problem for MAR clients by jointly optimizing the offloading and SR decisions, considering their trade-off in MAR with MEC. Finally, the performance evaluation indicates that our proposed framework effectively supports MAR services by efficiently managing offloading and SR decisions, balancing trade-offs between energy consumption, latency, and service satisfaction compared to benchmarks.

Joint Optimization of Computation Offloading and Resource Allocation Considering Task Prioritization in ISAC-Assisted Vehicular Network

Joint Optimization of Computation Offloading and Resource Allocation Considering Task Prioritization in ISAC-Assisted Vehicular Network

Edge-Intelligence-Powered Joint Computation Offloading and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Trajectory Optimization Strategy

UAV-based air-ground integrated networks offer a significant benefit in terms of providing ubiquitous communications and computing services for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. With the empowerment of edge intelligence (EI) technology, they can efficiently deploy various intelligent IoT applications. However, the trajectory of UAVs can significantly affect the quality of service (QoS) and resource optimization decisions. Joint computation offloading and UAV trajectory optimization bring many challenges, including coupled decision variables, information uncertainty, and long-term queue delay constraints. Therefore, this paper introduces an air-ground integrated architecture with EI and proposes a TD3-based joint computation offloading and UAV trajectory optimization (TCOTO) algorithm. Specifically, we use the principle of the TD3 algorithm to transform the original problem into a cumulative reward maximization problem in deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to obtain the UAV trajectory and offloading strategy. Additionally, the Lyapunov framework is used to convert the original long-term optimization problem into a deterministic short-term time-slot problem to ensure the long-term stability of the UAV queue. Based on the simulation results, it can be concluded that our novel TD3-based algorithm effectively solves the joint computation offloading and UAV trajectory optimization problems. The proposed algorithm improves the performance of the system energy efficiency by 3.77%, 22.90%, and 67.62%, respectively, compared to the other three benchmark schemes.

Efficient microservices offloading for cost optimization in diverse MEC cloud networks

In recent years, mobile applications have proliferated across domains such as E-banking, Augmented Reality, E-Transportation, and E-Healthcare. These applications are often built using microservices, an architectural style where the application is composed of independently deployable services focusing on specific functionalities. Mobile devices cannot process these microservices locally, so traditionally, cloud-based frameworks using cost-efficient Virtual Machines (VMs) and edge servers have been used to offload these tasks. However, cloud frameworks suffer from extended boot times and high transmission overhead, while edge servers have limited computational resources. To overcome these challenges, this study introduces a Microservices Container-Based Mobile Edge Cloud Computing (MCBMEC) environment and proposes an innovative framework, Optimization Task Scheduling and Computational Offloading with Cost Awareness (OTSCOCA). This framework addresses Resource Matching, Task Sequencing, and Task Scheduling to enhance server utilization, reduce service latency, and improve service bootup times. Empirical results validate the efficacy of MCBMEC and OTSCOCA, demonstrating significant improvements in server efficiency, reduced service latency, faster service bootup times, and notable cost savings. These outcomes underscore the pivotal role of these methodologies in advancing mobile edge computing applications amidst the challenges of edge server limitations and traditional cloud-based approaches.

An Analysis the Energy Consumption of Dynamic Task Offloading and Task Execution in MCC

Cloud computing is a group of distributed computing resources that may run any application. MCC is the result of merging the cloud environment with mobile devices. computational offloading is carried out on the cloud in order to save the processing capacity of handheld devices. There will be a rise in computing as the number of sensors used increases, necessitating greater data analysis. Another problem with mobile environments is the power drain on batteries. One solution is to move the work to a remote location where it can be more efficiently executed. In this off-site setting, you'll find powerful cloud servers with plenty of processing capacity. One way that dense mobile apps were able to move their work to the cloud is through computational offload. why it's important to provide a proper explanation of the time constraint in wireless & distant environments, and how reaction time affects offloading for mobile devices & remote servers.

D2D-assisted cooperative computation offloading and resource allocation in wireless-powered mobile edge computing networks

D2D-assisted cooperative computation offloading and resource allocation in wireless-powered mobile edge computing networks

Two-stage optimization of computation offloading for ICN-assisted mobile edge computing in 6G network

This paper investigates QoS-aware computation offloading issues for mobile edge computing in the 6G network. To minimize the end-to-end delay, we harness the Information-Centric Network (ICN) to ensure resource-constrained mobile user offloading computation-sensitive tasks in a distributed manner. Then, a two-stage approach based on a Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) algorithm entwined with optimization-embedding offloading ratio is proposed to enhance server selection for load balancing. Numeral results demonstrate that, with reference to a workshop-scale scenario, the proposed method can achieve outperformed performance in reducing delay and balancing loads on edge servers than the other four baseline schemes.

Joint Charging Scheduling and Computation Offloading in EV-Assisted Edge Computing: A Safe DRL Approach

Joint Charging Scheduling and Computation Offloading in EV-Assisted Edge Computing: A Safe DRL Approach

Performance optimization of VPP in fast frequency control ancillary service provision

This paper proposes a computation offloading method for performance optimization in the fast frequency control ancillary service (FFCAS) provision of a virtual power plant (VPP). VPP aggregates massive demand-side resources to provide power systems with the FFCAS. It faces excessive communication and computation tasks. Edge computing addresses these issues through computation offloading. Heavy tasks can be partially offloaded to the edge to relieve the burden of the central server. Existing offloading methods, however, are not specific for the VPP. To fill the gap, first, an age of information (AoI) model is introduced to characterize the data flow of an edge-enabled VPP. Next, an AoI-based FFCAS performance evaluation model is proposed considering the impacts of communication delay, communication failures, and computational delay. Then an FFCAS performance optimization model is formulated. It aims to maximize VPP’s profit through communication offloading and the DSR portfolio determination. Simulation results show that the proposed method can efficiently improve VPP’s profit.