A Joint Edge Server and Service Deployment Method in C-RAN With Multilayer MEC for Multicommunities

Combining cloud radio access network (C-RAN) and mobile edge computing (MEC) can effectively reduce network service latency and improve network reliability. The locations of edge servers (ESs) in the architecture and the services deployed affect the network quality and the operator’s revenue. However, few studies have focused on ES or service deployment in this architecture, and almost no research has addressed both joint deployments. Furthermore, previous studies rarely consider the collaborative deployment across multiple communities (regions) and the cooperation among ESs simultaneously. To fill this gap, this study first constructs a C-RAN network system model with multilayer MEC involving multicommunities and establishes a multiobjective mixed-integer programming (MOMIP) model aimed at maximizing the profit of service providers and the comprehensive average resource utilization of the ESs. Then, for the established model, this study proposes a three-step heuristic algorithm to solve. The algorithm has been used to determine the number of ESs to be deployed in each community, the deployment locations of ESs at each layer, and the services to be deployed on each ES. Finally, this study conducts a series of simulation experiments. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the baseline algorithms, and the obtained deployment scheme is more reasonable.