Energy-Optimal Computation Offloading for Mobile
Edge Computing
1. Project Description
This project explores strategies to offload computational tasks from mobile devices to nearby edge
servers to minimize energy consumption and latency. It involves designing an algorithm that
dynamically decides which tasks to offload based on network conditions, task complexity, and
energy constraints.
2. User Scenarios
• Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming Optimization: A user playing a high-graphics mobile game
experiences heating and battery drain. The system offloads rendering-intensive computations
to the edge server, reducing device strain.
• Scenario 2: Real-Time Video Processing: A user livestreaming in HD uploads video frames
to the edge server for encoding and compression, minimizing device energy consumption while
maintaining low latency.
• Scenario 3: Health Monitoring Applications: Wearable devices continuously collect health
data but offload heavy analytics to the edge, extending device battery life and ensuring fast
response for critical alerts.
• Scenario 4: Smart City IoT Devices: Edge-enabled IoT sensors offload intensive data
analysis to edge servers to optimize energy consumption while maintaining responsiveness in
traffic and environmental monitoring.
3. Technical Architecture
• Input Layer: Collects computation tasks from mobile devices with metadata such as CPU
demand, deadline, and battery state.
• Decision Layer: Implements a dynamic offloading algorithm that evaluates task complexity,
network conditions, and device energy.
• Communication Layer: Handles data transfer using low-latency protocols such as 5G or Wi-Fi.
• Execution Layer: Executes tasks either locally on the device or on the edge server depending
on decisions.
• Monitoring Layer: Tracks energy consumption, execution time, and network metrics to
continuously refine decisions.
4. Pre-requisites
• Strong understanding of Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) concepts.
• Knowledge of optimization algorithms (dynamic programming, reinforcement learning).
• Proficiency in Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch for algorithm prototyping.
• Simulation environments like NS-3, CloudSim, or EdgeCloudSim.
• Networking knowledge (5G/4G, Wi-Fi protocols).
5. Project Workflow
• Milestone 1: Task Profiling and Simulation Setup – Collect benchmark tasks and simulate
network/energy parameters.
• Milestone 2: Algorithm Development – Implement task offloading algorithms (heuristics,
RL-based).
• Milestone 3: Edge-Device Communication Testing – Evaluate latency and energy trade-offs
under various conditions.
• Milestone 4: System Integration – Integrate algorithm into a testbed for mobile-edge computing.
• Milestone 5: Performance Evaluation – Measure performance in terms of energy saved, latency
reduced, and throughput.
6. Project Output
• A decision-making algorithm for dynamic task offloading.
• Simulation results demonstrating energy savings and latency reduction.
• Performance metrics such as energy efficiency, task completion time, and system throughput.
• Prototype implementation in a MEC testbed environment.
7. Conclusion
This project aims to enhance mobile device performance and battery efficiency by leveraging
Mobile Edge Computing. By intelligently deciding when and what to offload, the system reduces
energy consumption and improves user experience in latency-sensitive applications. The outcomes
are applicable to diverse domains, including mobile gaming, healthcare, and IoT-enabled smart
cities.
