A model of Self-reliant Mobile Cloud for Collaboration Services
1Sumi Song, 2YongIk Yoon
1,2Multimedia Science, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea, songsm0328@naver.coml, yiyoon@sm.ac.kr
Abstract
Collaboration between mobile devices is again attracting attention because mobile devices are getting more powerful and more widespread. In addition, Cloud Computing technology is being applied to mobile devices. A variety of tasks is made possible despite the technical limitations. Also, the Cloud can be treated as a virtual space between devices. So, each of the mobile devices can share their own superfluous resources in the Cloud. It is expected to be a good solution for preventing the waste of IT resources and increasing working efficiency. So, in this journal, models of collaboration with mobile cloud are proposed to equip environment with cooperative work and group service. We expect that this proposition will be a help in understanding the mobile cloud collaboration.
Keywords
: Mobile Cloud; Collaboration; Mobile Cloud Application, smart service model.1. Introduction
Users can similarly work for their desired actions with mobile devices like using personal computer (PC) [2][7]. But it is a fact that mobile devices still do not have enough computing power and application abilities because they still have many limitations such as small size, heavy weight, insufficient energy supply and etc. For solving this dissatisfaction, through collaboration, mobile devices are allowed to share IT resources. For the cooperation with mobile devices, the cloud computing can be more a systematic and reliable tool. The mobile devices connect to service cloud(SCs) individually for getting service data or saving own device information. This means that different mobile devices can be managed in cloud. Then, devices can be is stuffed needful abilities by collaborative action with near devices. Through collaboration, we expect to increase of performance and capability of a single device. Also if users have group work, this work can be performed easier and more efficiently because usrs are able to share their progress in mobile cloud.
For this reason, in this paper, we propose a collaborative service model for sharing the resources between mobile devices. It is not simply about making connections with mobile devices. New models of collaboration with mobile cloud aim to reduce the burden within a productive working relationship and rationality.
2. Main Issues for Collaborative mobile Service 2.1. Mobile Cloud service Interworking
The mobile cloud service interworking can be defined as services that can allow sharing various contents across multiple mobile devices in real time [3]. In other words, usres can take advantage of the resources and the variety of content with their owned devices through a connection with cloud server.
The same content can be enjoyed on multiple devices. Thus, many services are being provided on the interworking such as (1) synchronization service (Apple Mobile Me, Google Google Sync, Microsoft My Phone, LG U +, etc.), (2) streaming service (SK Hoppin in Korea) and (3) web storage service. A wider variety of service interworking studies have been performed. Also, the service interworking between mobile cloud and devices, between content and content as well as service and service in the cloud have attracted interest. And the approach from interworking to collaboration is to be expected.
2.2. Data Conversion
Users can be provided a variety of data and content, because they can overcome the limitations of mobile devices through mobile access to cloud. In addition to this, several actions that were previously
only possible only on a stationary PC through a network connection became available in mobile devices. The searching with Google, Bing and Yahoo, NAVER, etc. and of course Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and a variety of social networking services are also available in the mobile devices. Also, office infrastructure access is available through cloud with mobile devices and working within cloud may be performed. Moreover, application services such as navigation, LBS-based services are possible without large crowd.
The Cloud has nearly infinite amount of services and nearly an infinite amount of space to store a lot of resources in. But the definition of a way to connect to the cloud, receive data and share the data is not clear. Users cannot ignore the problem with the heavy traffic which is due to a lot of people accessing the cloud simultaneously. In addition, security problems which might occur in this process cannot be overlooked.
Thus, various kinds of services as well as stable and efficient access methods and way of sharing data in cloud should be presented. In all of this process, the security technologies should be considered as essential.
2.3. Mobile Cloud Device resource Searching
Mobile cloud has a big advantage in the collaboration between the mobile devices unlike existing clouds. Users have a large number of mobile devices instead of just one. This trend is expected to be increasing. In addition, communication mobile devices as well as the consumer serviced devices also have function of network. So, collaboration between several devices becomes much more expected using cloud. This is a technique for using mobile cloud and generating a small mobile cloud. It will be necessary that the clear definition and research for system about generating and maintaining of personal cloud via various devices. Also, studies for domain navigation of mobile cloud are worth exploring to represent N-screen and the fusion media. Likewise, resource discovery for cloud/device and device/device are issued.
3. Mobile Cloud technology research
Table 1. The essential technology for mobile cloud service[9]
Technology(Tx) contents
T1 Storage space & management
T2 Synchronization
T3 Mobile Office Infrastructure
T4 Hardware Solution
T5 Web-based Application
T6 Security
T7 Connection-holding
T8 Devices Collaboration
3.1. Storage / management
When users want to save their data in a serviced cloud server, they should be able to access easily to the cloud with application or web serviced- platform. Naturally, the cloud should keep, sort and update with maintaining the integrity.
3.2 Synchronization
In the cloud, users can use their data or contents on multiple smart devices or with other people who can access the same cloud with devices. In addition, since the cloud is owned by a number of
devices, N-screen environment can be made up. In the process, the most important skill is the synchronization in the relationship of devices-device and device-cloud.
3.3 Mobile Office Infrastructure
Users or enterprises should be able to freely use the work spaces where they can make documents creation and editing without installing software on their devices. Since activation of Mobile Cloud, the serving work space with smart devices has been most representative service model. For the perfect situation of smart work space in the cloud, cloud should have function about integration of different platforms.
3.4 Hardware Solution
As using the cloud, users can overcome Hardware-limits of their smart devices. To do this, the cloud gets ready for hardware solution such as storage-control, surrogate processing operations and so on. For specific hardware solution, the cloud services must be systematization depending on the available IT resources to be used.
3.5. Web-based Applications
Between various platforms for smart devices, the presented solution is web-based services. In short, all devices which can access internet with Wi-Fi, 3G, LTE should be able to operate applications in cloud. The applications don’t need to be made depending on each of the disparate platforms, should made up with web-based skill.
3.6. Security
When the data exchange take place between device and device or device and cloud, the mutually harmful data should be filtered and banned. The cloud also must have the system for prevention about data loss and hacking. Since the cloud services have a lot of users from various places at various times, the security tech. should be noted.
3.7 Connection Holding
Even if uses change the places frequently, a stable network connection must be guaranteed. This point is expected as one of the most basic skill for internet services. In the cloud, the server should have ability to identify the their location, and be able to reconnect with holding a new access point(AP).
3.8. Devices Cooperation
.
The device cooperation means hardware and software aspects of the technology for supporting fully using IT resources of devices. Ultimately, this technology will be a strong focus on the mobile cloud.
The mobile cloud should be evolved from 1:1(a cloud : a device) relationship to 1:1(a device : a device), 1:N(a cloud : devices) and N:N(clouds : devices). For this, the connection between objects, the collaborative configurations system and the collaborative service models should be more in-depth and widely studied.
4. Conditions for collaboration in Mobile Cloud
Users should not stay at the current mobile cloud service. The mobile cloud would be expected to find substantial benefits. It is good that we have a new perspective about small network which is created by several devices and should consider the small network as one of collaboration The Reason that several mobile devices collaborate with each other in their network is to supplement scarce resource. In other words, the device with absence of specific resources can be supplied from other devices which are placed in small network. This is the primary purpose of the collaboration in the
mobile cloud. Each of the mobile devices holds different resources because various devices are made up by variant manufacturing and have different platform and functions. If we think the vaguely, an innumerably different resources will be increased. So, even though it will be tough, we should organize representative resources through collaboration with cloud.
For this, in this section, the resources from mobile devices collaboration are classified according to the purpose various situations. In addition, the how to search for the resources between devices connected networks is summarized briefly.
4.1 The Type of Resources in collaboration
We classify resources as six kind of purpose for collaboration. In following this section, you can see simply examples according to this type of resources (See the section 7).
4.1.1 Data and Contents
This type is a simply data and contents resource which are running or shown on the mobile devices (we call this type as R1 in the section 7). The data sharing is the most basic and underlying field.
According to the evolution of function for mobile devices, users can use and share big-sized data and contents with other devices. This resource includes text file, image file, video file, contact, schedule, application, sound file and so on.
In addition, we have categories about this resource based on the preference of data.
Ÿ One-Time data: primary data transfer request (eg, contacts, calendar, photos, notes)
Ÿ Continuity Data: a data request which is sent at regular intervals or which is to be guaranteed a certain period of time the connection data (eg, location notification, etc.)
Ÿ Fusion Data: a data and content which is formed by a variety of media format. The fusion data can be distributed and played to multiple devices. This is N-screen environment.
4.1.2. Data Storage
The most typical weakness of mobile devices is that hardware-ability is lower than normal computer. One of the weaknesses is small storage space. Currently, even though the development of manufacturing technology for mobile devices, storage space has been expanding, there are limits for portable conditions such as small-size, lightness. So, mobile devices are dependent on cloud storage.
Like this, in the small network created several mobile devices, some devices which have lack of storage can be rent extra storage space from other devices by collaboration.
4.1.3. Computing power and energy
Now a day, there is a variety of mobiles with different specification from the various manufacturers.
So, between the mobile devices, there is a gap about computing power and ability of energy efficiency like as CPU-specifications, working-processing, battery-life, internet speed. If some device performs other tasks or is not enough computing power, the device can request surrogate operating to near other devices like as remote processing services.
4.1.4 Special Serviced-Function
Several devices have different application and serviced function on their machine. As simply example, there are various sensors(GPS, motion, light detector, temperature sensing, etc), camera specifications, recording voice, video connection and so on. If there are programs or platforms for sharing these features, the low-end devices can use various function from other high-end devices in collaborative mobile cloud.
4.1.5 Group Work-Application
Still a lot of application that support teamwork exists. But it has a premise that specific applications are installed on devices according to mobile platforms. In case of the previous group-work, the results
that uses have done on the devices by application are integrated in a single server. If so, some device which failed to install application can’t work together. On the other hand, if there are collaborative systems for group, users can make something with teamwork application in cloud through the formation and access to the mobile cloud.
4.2 Resource Discovery Network Type
What kind of network does exist between device and device for creating mobile cloud? In this section, we try to summarize a kind of network depending category of 5 resources.
The type of discovery for resources can be divided to2 classifications: 1) regular use in the short space (Short Distance / Semi-Fixed) and 2) Ensure the portability of the device (Long Distance / Non-F ixed). You can confirm about potential resource discovery depending on the type of network.
4.2.1 Short Distance/Semi-Fixed
Users can configure a variety of devices in our personal space. In a limited range, we should distinguish whether any suitable network and resources checked by each network. Because of ensuring mobility in a specific range, this section is called short distance and semi-fixed networks. Through Table 2 below, you can see a search-range of network for 5 resources.
Table 2. The short distance/semi-fixed networks details Type of
network standard Spectrum Distance Usage Allowing
Resource Available
NFC 13.56MHz Within
10cm
Individual
R1 √
R2 R3 R4 R5
WiFi 802.11b/n 2.4 and
5 GHz 50~100 m Individual / Public
R1 √
R2 √
R3 √
R4 √
R5 √
Bluetooth 802.15.1 802.15.2
79 Frequency
2.4GHz 10m Individual
R1 √
R2 √
R3
R4 √
R5
WiMedia
(UWB) 802.15.3 3.1∼10.6GHz,
22-29GHz 10~100 m Individual
R1 √
R2 √
R3
R4 √
R5
ZigBee 802.15.4
868 MHz 900-928 MHz
2.4 GHz
10m Individual
R1 √
R2 √
R3
R4 √
R5 4.2.2 Long Distance/Non-Fixed
Users can work anywhere, anytime they want with mobile devices. This is a big merit of mobile devices. This is guaranteed by one of the reasons that users can receive the mobile-communication service (3G, LTE and paid Wi-Fi). Not a limited place, during the free movement, devices can connect with others. What networks can support sharing of resources while ensuring portability?
Table 3 below, you can see a search-range of network for 5 resources.
Table 3. The long distance/non-fixed networks details Type of
network standard Spectrum Distance Allowing
Resource Available
WiFi 802.11b/n 2.4 and
5 GHz 50~100 m
R1
all√
R2 R3 R4 R5
WiMax/WiBro 802.16e/m 2~6GHz, 75Mbps
1km~2km (Maximum 45km)
R1
all √ R2
R3 R4 R5
3G W-CDMA 2.7GHz 120km/hr
R1
all √ R2
R3 R4 R5
LTE W-CDMA 5,10,15,20 MHz or 1..4MHz, 3MHz
15km/hr(top) 120km/hr(HP) 350km/hr(ML)
R1
all √ R2
R3 R4 R5
*HP: High Performance/ ML: Maintaining links
5. New concepts of mobile cloud for Collaboration
We should think more about the collaboration in mobile cloud specifically. So, in this section, a new approach to collaboration and utilization of the mobile cloud are proposed.
The mobile cloud collaboration means that several devices take on supplementary work, owing to the lack of features and resources within a local area network. To collaborative work, devices make small scale own network which is called SrMC(Self-reliant Mobile Cloud). In the SrMC, devices can use mainly the newly generated cloud for their purposes, not already existing cloud based on server. In short, self-made connection can be considered as mobile cloud. The SrMC is new approaching about mobile cloud and will be a new model for collaboration in mobile cloud. But the SrMC needs the help of server cloud. In other words, the SrMC is a sub-cloud for collaborative work provisionally (see Fig.1).
Figure1. The new concept of self-reliant mobile cloud (SrMC)
5.1. Mobile Cloud VS SrMC
We propose a new concept of mobile cloud which called SrMC. Then, we should check difference between prior mobile cloud and the SrMC. So, in the section definitions for prior and new mobile cloud are introduced simply.
• Mobile Cloud (exiting one)
Mobile cloud is a system that allows user to use IT resources such as server, storage and software with mobile devices. In short, it means that target of cloud service is changed from fixed device to portable device. In cloud, mobile devices can solve mechanical defects and work a variety of tasks during moving by using the mobile cloud API or a virtual device. Also, if several devices want to collaborative works such as data sharing, storage sharing, the devices should get help from server cloud during all operations (see Fig.2).
Figure2. Relationship between devices and server cloud in exiting mobile cloud
• SrMC (new one)
SrMC(Self-reliant Mobile Cloud) means independent networks between multiple devices. That is, devices can use mainly the newly generated cloud for their purposes, not already existing cloud based on server. In the SrMC, devices can share their own resources with requiring/offering and exchanging application services. Therefore, the SrMC is possible to be generated by various domains and members. In some cases, overlap devices exist between various in the SrMC. When multiple devices make their cloud and start to collaborative work, devices connect each other directly and the server cloud just should support them. In short, the server cloud should do monitoring such as managing to access of devices, scheduling, synchronizing (see Fig.3).
Figure3. Relationship between devices and server cloud in the SrMC
5.2. Roles for SrMC
5.2.1. MCRC(Mobile Cloud Resource Coordinator)
The MCRC should search information about of the candidate devices for providing resources. The MCRC helps devices share their information of holding resources like customer and provider. So, it can be easy that devices connect each other and exchange for resource. In addition, the MCRC has responsibility to check and manage the status of devices which are in the SrMC during collaborative
work. So, at point the end of the collaboration, the MCRC should update information about the SrMC status to service cloud.
5.2.2. MCRU( Mobile Cloud Resource User)
MCRU means the device which has lack of IT resources and wants use resources of other devices.
Even though the MCRU does not have functional defect, it wants to use resources depending on special work.
5.2.3. MCRP( Mobile Cloud Resource Provider)
MCRP has a role of providing resources to MCRU. The MCRP is not fixed. Device can be the MCRP when it receives request to provide its resources from other device. In other words, all devices may be providers depending of the request.
6. 8-Steps of Mobile Cloud Collaboration
For collaborative mobile cloud, the SrMC proceeds as 8 steps. The 8 steps were determined according to the order of signaling between 3 role parts (see Fig.4).
• Step 1: MCRU
The MCRU realizes the necessity of using resources of another mobile device.
• Step 2: MCRU → MCRC
The MCRU finds the MCRC and request information about providers which have the needed resources in near area or Self-reliant Mobile Cloud.
• Step 3: MCRC → Service Cloud
In this paper, we assume that there is database about managing information on mobile devices in a server. So, the MCRC checks status of devices and chooses suitable device after receiving request from the MCRU.
• Step 4: MCRC → MCRU
The MCRC sends the result of the search to MCRU.
• Step 5: MCRU → MCRP
If the MCRU can get the information about the provider to work, MCRU should explore the MCRP and request to supply resources.
• Step 6: MCRP
If the request is accepted, the MCRP does the work or supply resources to the MCRU with a connection.
• Step 7: MCRU→ MCRC
When the MCRU finishes receiving the supply of resource from the MCRP, it should report condition of collaboration to the MCRC.
• Step 8: MCRC → Service Cloud
The MCRC checks status of both the MCRU and the MCRP. Then, the results are saved in database in a service cloud for the next collaboration.
Figure 4 The process of collaborative mobile service based on 8 steps
7. Expectation of Collaboration according to the Resource
.Various kinds of devices have different resources. This point can be a big purpose of the mobile cloud collaboration. So, what kinds of resources are needed for collaboration? In this section, we present IT resources that can be requested in mobile cloud collaboration. The resources are divided into a total of five. You can see examples of expected collaboration according to each Rx (see Fig.5).
• R1: Data & Media Contents
Contacts, documents, videos, photos and all kinds of other material like simple data.
• R2: Data Storage
A device has its own storage space. But small mobile device has a small amount of data storage compared to the fixed device (such as PC, Laptop, HDD).
• R3: Computing Ability & Energy for working
Although computing power has been much improved for mobile devices, it is a fact that mobile device doesn’t work in a stable manner. The R3 includes CPU specifications, task- switching ability, speed of the Internet connection, batteries and so on in hardware side. Also, various software and platform are included.
• R4: Special Function
All devices have certain features that can be provided, such as camera, microphone, speaker, recorder, GPS system, light and so on.
• R5: Mobile Office
The R5 is Environment for collaborative work. This is not special resource but a clear purpose for the cooperation. Several users use this resource for group working or temporary collaboration.
Figure5. Example of Collaboration works base on R5
6. Conclusion & Further Study
In this paper, we finally proposed five models of collaborative mobile cloud services. To this proposal, we check major technologies for mobile cloud services and summarize several conditions such as types of resources and networks for collaboration. But, until now, definitions of mobile cloud and collaboration of mobile cloud have not been defined. So, we try to define mobile cloud which is not dependent on server cloud fully, 3-components of the mobile cloud for smart collaboration.
In the mobile cloud we proposed, devices do not only use server cloud service but also share their own cloud and IT resources. User can make a self-reliant mobile cloud (SrMC) without internet connection with server cloud and do various cooperative works with each other. We also present concepts of models for collaborative mobile cloud, but we plan that generating of main technical function and requirements for mobile cloud collaboration is needed.
We should more check related researches. Then, for more stable collaboration system, we find and make new model with detailed modules. Furthermore, we want to standardize the work in progress. So, we expect that our study will be help to establish the foundation of mobile cloud collaboration and be good assistant for service model.
7. Acknowledgement
This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning(2013015884).
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