Experimental framework of integrated cloudlets and wireless mesh networks

Recent advances in wireless communication technologies and the increasing popularity of mobile cloud computing through portable devices like smart phones and tablets are empowering the mobile users with rich mobile facilities and resources. However, expensive cellular wide area network access and high latency communications to utilize the Internet cloud hamper the mobile devices' capabilities in resource-demanding and delay-sensitive applications such as visual communications. In this paper, we propose a new network architecture that integrates distributed and localized cloudlets with fast-deployable, low-cost wireless mesh networks to allow prompt and low-latency access to resources for cloud-based applications. We focus on an experimental framework we have implemented in a testbed, which employed a real private cloudlet and an emulated wireless mesh network environment. This experimental framework would facilitate further in-depth, empirical investigation and performance evaluation in this emerging area.