Physics-Inspired Mobile Cloudlet Placement in Next-Generation Edge Networks

IoT (Internet-of-Things) devices require both reliable, ultra-low latency connection and on-demand access to computing resources in their vicinity. Edge computing can provide nearby computing resources through offloading to cloudlets. However, challenges lie in providing stable services in big cities, emergency situations, and places lacking sufficient infrastructure due to dynamic IoT demands and their uncertain mobility, coupled with intermittent or limited connectivity to nearby computing resources. There has been an increasing adoption of UAV-mounted mobile cloudlets to address these issues, where mobile cloudlets can be seamlessly integrated into the existing network infrastructure for offloading and enhanced connectivity. However, adaptively placing mobile cloudlets under continuously evolving conditions is still an open problem. In this paper, we study mobile cloudlet placement in highly dynamic, next-generation edge networks. Our objective is to maintain stable ultra-low-latency services and enhance coverage by optimizing the placement of mobile cloudlets in highly dynamic scenarios. We propose a novel approach for this problem using inspirations from concepts in physics, namely the center of gravity and force of attraction. Our approach emulates how physical bodies maintain balance and adjust their positions when acted upon by dynamic external forces for efficient placement of mobile cloudlets in response to dynamic and uncertain device mobility. The results show that our proposed approach provides high device coverage, excellent energy efficiency, and stable edge services in real-time.