Optimization Problems in Fog and Edge Computing

This chapter aims to propose a generic conceptual framework for optimization problems in fog computing, based on consistent, well‐defined, and formalized notation for constraints and optimization objectives. It describes some essential properties and notions of optimization in general. Fog computing can be seen as an extension of cloud computing towards the network edge, with the aim of providing lower latencies for latency‐critical applications within end devices. The chapter reviews the metrics that need to be optimized in a fog computing system. It shows how existing literature on optimization in fog computing can be classified. By looking at the different optimization opportunities at the different stages of the service life cycle, one can differentiate between design‐time optimization, deployment‐time optimization, and run‐time optimization. The different aspects of optimization can form the basis to devise a taxonomy of optimization problems in fog computing.