Quantum-based Distributed Algorithms for Edge Node Placement and Workload Allocation

Edge computing is a promising technology that offers a superior user experience and enables various innovative Internet of Things applications. In this paper, we present a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for optimal edge server placement and workload allocation, which is known to be NP-hard. To this end, we explore the possibility of addressing this computationally challenging problem using quantum computing. However, existing quantum solvers are limited to solving unconstrained binary programming problems. To overcome this obstacle, we propose a hybrid quantum-classical solution that decomposes the original problem into a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problem and a linear program (LP) subproblem. The QUBO problem can be solved by a quantum solver, while the LP subproblem can be solved using traditional LP solvers. Our numerical experiments demonstrate the practicality of leveraging quantum supremacy to solve complex optimization problems in edge computing.