395 research outputs found
Satellite-MEC Integration for 6G Internet of Things: Minimal Structures, Advances, and Prospects
The sixth-generation (6G) network is envisioned to shift its focus from the
service requirements of human beings' to those of Internet-of-Things (IoT)
devices'. Satellite communications are indispensable in 6G to support IoT
devices operating in rural or disastrous areas. However, satellite networks
face the inherent challenges of low data rate and large latency, which may not
support computation-intensive and delay-sensitive IoT applications. Mobile Edge
Computing (MEC) is a burgeoning paradigm by extending cloud computing
capabilities to the network edge. By utilizing MEC technologies, the
resource-limited IoT devices can access abundant computation resources with low
latency, which enables the highly demanding applications while meeting strict
delay requirements. Therefore, an integration of satellite communications and
MEC technologies is necessary to better enable 6G IoT. In this survey, we
provide a holistic overview of satellite-MEC integration. We first discuss the
main challenges of the integrated satellite-MEC network and propose three
minimal integrating structures. For each minimal structure, we summarize the
current advances in terms of their research topics, after which we discuss the
lessons learned and future directions of the minimal structure. Finally, we
outline potential research issues to envision a more intelligent, more secure,
and greener integrated satellite-MEC network
A survey of multi-access edge computing in 5G and beyond : fundamentals, technology integration, and state-of-the-art
Driven by the emergence of new compute-intensive applications and the vision of the Internet of Things (IoT), it is foreseen that the emerging 5G network will face an unprecedented increase in traffic volume and computation demands. However, end users mostly have limited storage capacities and finite processing capabilities, thus how to run compute-intensive applications on resource-constrained users has recently become a natural concern. Mobile edge computing (MEC), a key technology in the emerging fifth generation (5G) network, can optimize mobile resources by hosting compute-intensive applications, process large data before sending to the cloud, provide the cloud-computing capabilities within the radio access network (RAN) in close proximity to mobile users, and offer context-aware services with the help of RAN information. Therefore, MEC enables a wide variety of applications, where the real-time response is strictly required, e.g., driverless vehicles, augmented reality, robotics, and immerse media. Indeed, the paradigm shift from 4G to 5G could become a reality with the advent of new technological concepts. The successful realization of MEC in the 5G network is still in its infancy and demands for constant efforts from both academic and industry communities. In this survey, we first provide a holistic overview of MEC technology and its potential use cases and applications. Then, we outline up-to-date researches on the integration of MEC with the new technologies that will be deployed in 5G and beyond. We also summarize testbeds and experimental evaluations, and open source activities, for edge computing. We further summarize lessons learned from state-of-the-art research works as well as discuss challenges and potential future directions for MEC research
When Mobile Blockchain Meets Edge Computing
Blockchain, as the backbone technology of the current popular Bitcoin digital
currency, has become a promising decentralized data management framework.
Although blockchain has been widely adopted in many applications, e.g.,
finance, healthcare, and logistics, its application in mobile services is still
limited. This is due to the fact that blockchain users need to solve preset
proof-of-work puzzles to add new data, i.e., a block, to the blockchain.
Solving the proof-of-work, however, consumes substantial resources in terms of
CPU time and energy, which is not suitable for resource-limited mobile devices.
To facilitate blockchain applications in future mobile Internet of Things
systems, multiple access mobile edge computing appears to be an auspicious
solution to solve the proof-of-work puzzles for mobile users. We first
introduce a novel concept of edge computing for mobile blockchain. Then, we
introduce an economic approach for edge computing resource management.
Moreover, a prototype of mobile edge computing enabled blockchain systems is
presented with experimental results to justify the proposed concept.Comment: Accepted by IEEE Communications Magazin
Beyond 5G Networks: Integration of Communication, Computing, Caching, and Control
In recent years, the exponential proliferation of smart devices with their
intelligent applications poses severe challenges on conventional cellular
networks. Such challenges can be potentially overcome by integrating
communication, computing, caching, and control (i4C) technologies. In this
survey, we first give a snapshot of different aspects of the i4C, comprising
background, motivation, leading technological enablers, potential applications,
and use cases. Next, we describe different models of communication, computing,
caching, and control (4C) to lay the foundation of the integration approach. We
review current state-of-the-art research efforts related to the i4C, focusing
on recent trends of both conventional and artificial intelligence (AI)-based
integration approaches. We also highlight the need for intelligence in
resources integration. Then, we discuss integration of sensing and
communication (ISAC) and classify the integration approaches into various
classes. Finally, we propose open challenges and present future research
directions for beyond 5G networks, such as 6G.Comment: This article has been accepted for inclusion in a future issue of
China Communications Journal in IEEE Xplor
Integrating Satellites and Mobile Edge Computing for 6G Wide-Area Edge Intelligence: Minimal Structures and Systematic Thinking
The sixth-generation (6G) network will shift its focus to supporting everything including various machine-type devices (MTDs) in an every-one-centric manner. To ubiquitously cover the MTDs working in rural and disastrous areas, satellite communications become indispensable, while mobile edge computing (MEC) also plays an increasingly crucial role. Their sophisticated integration enables wide-area edge intelligence which promises to facilitate globally-distributed customized services. In this article, we present typical use cases of integrated satellite-MEC networks and discuss the main challenges therein. Inspired by the protein structure and the systematic engineering methodology, we propose three minimal integrating structures, based on which a complex integrated satellite-MEC network can be treated as their extension and combination. We discuss the unique characteristics and key problems of each minimal structure. Accordingly, we establish an on-demand network orchestration framework to enrich the hierarchy of network management, which further leads to a process-oriented network optimization method. On that basis, a case study is utilized to showcase the benefits of on-demand network orchestration and process-oriented network optimization. Finally, we outline potential research issues to envision a more intelligent, more secure, and greener integrated network
Mobile Edge Computing
This is an open access book. It offers comprehensive, self-contained knowledge on Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), which is a very promising technology for achieving intelligence in the next-generation wireless communications and computing networks. The book starts with the basic concepts, key techniques and network architectures of MEC. Then, we present the wide applications of MEC, including edge caching, 6G networks, Internet of Vehicles, and UAVs. In the last part, we present new opportunities when MEC meets blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and distributed machine learning (e.g., federated learning). We also identify the emerging applications of MEC in pandemic, industrial Internet of Things and disaster management. The book allows an easy cross-reference owing to the broad coverage on both the principle and applications of MEC. The book is written for people interested in communications and computer networks at all levels. The primary audience includes senior undergraduates, postgraduates, educators, scientists, researchers, developers, engineers, innovators and research strategists
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