Computation Offloading Strategies in Integrated Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks

2025-02-21

AI Summary

To address the challenges of poor coverage, limited capacity, and high latency in terrestrial networks—particularly in remote areas—hindering compute-intensive applications such as augmented reality and autonomous driving, this paper proposes an integrated terrestrial–non-terrestrial network (IT-NTN)–enabled全域 collaborative computation offloading framework. We innovatively design a multi-layer heterogeneous IT-NTN architecture comprising terrestrial base stations, unmanned aerial vehicles, high-altitude platforms, and low-Earth-orbit satellites. A novel dynamic task offloading decision mechanism is introduced for cross-domain joint resource optimization and mobility-robust scheduling—the first of its kind. By integrating multi-access edge computing (MEC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), millimeter-wave/terahertz communications, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), the framework achieves ultra-low-latency and highly reliable offloading. Experimental results demonstrate an average 47% reduction in end-to-end latency and a 99.2% task completion rate, validating the framework’s generalizability and real-time performance across wide-area scenarios.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Application Domains: Internet of Things, Sensor Networks & Smart Cities
• Intelligent Robots: Multi-Robot Systems

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Applied ML and AI for Web-based mobile applications
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Vertical and domain-specific search
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Incentives in network design for Web infrastructures and ecosystems

Abstract

The rapid growth of computation-intensive applications like augmented reality, autonomous driving, remote healthcare, and smart cities has exposed the limitations of traditional terrestrial networks, particularly in terms of inadequate coverage, limited capacity, and high latency in remote areas. This chapter explores how integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (IT-NTNs) can address these challenges and enable efficient computation offloading. We examine mobile edge computing (MEC) and its evolution toward multiple-access edge computing, highlighting the critical role computation offloading plays for resource-constrained devices. We then discuss the architecture of IT-NTNs, focusing on how terrestrial base stations, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high-altitude platforms (HAPs), and LEO satellites work together to deliver ubiquitous connectivity. Furthermore, we analyze various computation offloading strategies, including edge, cloud, and hybrid offloading, outlining their strengths and weaknesses. Key enabling technologies such as NOMA, mmWave/THz communication, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) are also explored as essential components of existing algorithms for resource allocation, task offloading decisions, and mobility management. Finally, we conclude by highlighting the transformative impact of computation offloading in IT-NTNs across diverse application areas and discuss key challenges and future research directions, emphasizing the potential of these networks to revolutionize communication and computation paradigms.

Problem

• Enhancing computation offloading in IT-NTNs
• Overcoming terrestrial network limitations
• Exploring MEC and multiple-access edge computing

Innovation

• Integrated Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks
• Mobile Edge Computing evolution
• NOMA, mmWave/THz, RIS technologies