Virtualization Framework for Energy Efficient IoT Networks

In this paper, we introduce a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model to design an energy efficient cloud computing platform for Internet of Things (IoT) networks. In our model, the IoT network consisted of four layers. The first (lowest) layer consisted of IoT devices, e.g. temperature sensors. The networking elements (relays, coordinators and gateways) are located within the upper three layers, respectively. These networking elements perform the tasks of data aggregation and processing of the traffic produced by IoT devices. The processing of IoT traffic is handled by Virtual Machines (VMs) hosted by distributed mini clouds and located within the IoT networking elements. We optimized the number of mini clouds, their location and the placement of VMs to reduce the total power consumption induced by traffic aggregation and processing. Our results showed that the optimal distribution of mini clouds in the IoT network could yield a total power savings of up to 36% compared to processing IoT data in a single mini cloud located at the gateway layer.