Optimisation of Application Distribution for Heterogeneous Multi-access Edge Computing Environments

Abstract

Mobile networks have evolved from pure transport networks for voice, text and
image data to multifunctional data processing platforms. This goes hand in hand
with the change from manufacturer-dependent, hardware-based systems to
virtual infrastructure environments based on standard systems.
This paradigm shift creates completely new possibilities for functionalities and
services which was not able with the old architecture. On the other hand, the
ongoing development of the mobile networks with its virtual platforms generates
new challenges which must be analysed and solved.
While the demands on the new functionalities and services are increasing, the
end-user device also become more powerful. The combination of end-user
device mobility, limited resources at the edge of the internet leads to a pressing
demand for adequate measures to enable the fulfilment of these for real-time
requirement. These measures and controls are not sufficient in the existing
architecture because the functionality is focussed on the cellular network and
their provider and not on the user with its device.
The aim of this research project is to extend the existing functional architecture
in heterogeneous cellular network with intelligent application distribution
services for applications on the end-user devices. This is important especially in
real-time applications when the end-user is moving fast.
The novel functional architecture was evaluated with some use cases. The
novel concept was proofed with a discrete event simulator. The results have
shown that the novel architecture achieves improvements for application
distribution including application offload and migration. Further use cases have
shown that benefits can achieved in the context of services from 3 rd parties.

Date of Award	2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Plymouth
Sponsors	IQDoQ GmbH
Supervisor	Bogdan Ghita (Director of Studies (First Supervisor)) & Woldemar Fuhrmann (Other Supervisor)