Doctoral course - Edge-Cloud Computing Continuum for 6G

Extent: 2 ECTS

Abstract: The Edge-cloud computing continuum is a centric concept for enabling highly reliable, delay-sensitive and resource-efficient services and operations in 5G and beyond communication networks. Recent advancements in virtualization technologies, distributed network architectures and software-defined programmable networks have made it possible to dynamically allocate data processing and computation tasks between centralized cloud data centers, edge servers and local devices near users and data sources, based on the needs of services, applications and available resources. This paradigm shift enables, among other things, distributed and federated AI and ML solutions, efficient use of hardware resources, optimized service composition and deployment, dynamic resource and network management, and effective use of service function chains (SFCs).

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals and frontier research in softwarized, programmable, and virtualized network technologies for the Edge-cloud computing continuum on 5G and beyond networks. Key topics include three-tier computing and communication models, software-driven networking technologies and architectures, QoS and resource-aware dynamic service orchestration, as well as dynamic, adaptive, and lightweight network security solutions. Additionally, the course explores real-world use cases such as smart cities and digital healthcare, demonstrating the practical applications of the Edge-cloud continuum in future wireless networks.

Course materials: Lecture slides, online material given on course

Instructors:

Asst. Prof. Erkki Harjula (University of Oulu, Finland)

Asst. Prof. Ayan Mondal (IIT, Indore, India)

Dr. Tanesh Kumar (Aalto University, Finland)

Ijaz Ahmad (University of Oulu, Finland)

Teaching Language: English

Target Audience: This is an advanced course targeted at Doctoral and Master’s students, who have knowledge of wireless communications, protocols, virtualization, and computer networks.

Learning outcomes:
1. Students are able to understand the fundamentals of the Edge-Cloud Computing Continuum;
2. Students are able to identify how to utilize and apply key virtualized networking concepts: SDN, NFV, Microservices, and Orchestration, in various systems and applications;
3. Students are able to describe fundamentals of network security for Edge-Cloud Computing Continuum;
4. Students are able to understand the benefits of Edge-Cloud Computing Continuum in real-life use cases.

Delivery method: The course is taught in hybrid mode. The students can attend either in person or virtually. The total study length is 54 hours (equivalent to 2 ECTS), including 12 hours for attending lectures, and 42 hours for self-study and assessments.

Assessment: Attendance, homework assignments and final exam

Evaluation: Pass/Fail

Course schedule:

11.12.2024 (3 lectures)

Time: 09:30-11:00

• Lecture 1: Basics of Edge-Cloud Computing Continuum for 5G and Beyond Networks
• Teacher(s): Asst. Prof. Erkki Harjula
• Room/Zoom Link: IT116

Time: 11:15-12:45

• Lecture 2: Software-driven networking technologies for Edge-Cloud Continuum
• Teacher(s): Asst. Prof. Ayan Mondal
• Room/Zoom Link: IT116

Time: 13:30-15:00

• Lecture 3: SDN and NFV-driven Edge-Cloud Continuum
• Teacher(s): Asst. Prof. Ayan Mondal
• Room/Zoom Link: IT116

12.12.2024 (3 lectures)

Time: 09:30-11:00

• Lecture 4: Three-tier computing and communication architecture for Edge-Cloud Continuum
• Teacher(s): Asst. Prof. Erkki Harjula
• Room/Zoom Link: IT116

Time: 11:15-12:45

• Lecture 5: QoS and resource-aware dynamic service orchestration for Edge-Cloud Continuum
• Teacher(s): Dr. Tanesh Kumar
• Room/Zoom Link: IT116

Time: 13:30-15:00

• Lecture 6: Dynamic, adaptive and lightweight network security solutions for Edge-Cloud Continuum
• Teacher(s): Ijaz Ahmad
• Room/Zoom Link: IT116

13.12.2024 (2 lectures + exam)

Time: 09:30-11:15

• Lecture 7: Edge-Cloud Continuum empowered Use Cases: Smart cities
• Teacher(s): Asst. Prof. Ayan Mondal
• Room/Zoom Link: Lo124

Time: 12:45-13:00

• Lecture 8: Edge-Cloud Continuum empowered Use Cases: Digital healthcare
• Teacher(s): Asst. Prof. Erkki Harjula
• Room/Zoom Link: Lo124

Time: 13:15-14:45

• Final exam
• Room/Zoom Link: Lo124