Distributed and Decentralized Edge Caching in 5G Networks Using Non-Volatile Memory Systems

Edge caching is an effective way to reduce congestion and latency in 5G networks. Non-volatile memory (NVM) devices are developing fast, with the potential of fast access, and higher endurance versus traditional storage devices, to further boost mobile data offloading efficiency in 5G networks. This paper studies how to effectively use the two-layer storage system (NVM-enhanced) in 5G edge caching. We first model an edge caching optimization problem with NVM storage devices included and develop a parallel distributed algorithm with guaranteed convergence in joint caching and routing decisions. A fully decentralized algorithm for scenarios without any coordination is further developed which also guarantees the convergence. Real-world trace-driven simulations and experiments over a small-scale system demonstrate that NVM significantly boosts the performance of edge caching and the proposed algorithms outperform the existing ones.