Autoencoder and Teaching-learning-based Optimizer for Mobile Edge Computing System Optimization Problems

By using an autoencoder as a dimension reduction tool, an Autoencoder-embedded Teaching-Learning Based Optimization (ATLBO) has been proved to be effective in solving high-dimensional computationally expensive problems through several widely used function problems. However, the following two crucial issues have not been resolved, 1) ATLBO should be verified by solving real-life optimization problems; and 2) how autoencoder parameters and structures impact AEO's performance. In this work, ATLBO is verified by an energy consumption minimization problem (ECM) in mobile edge computing systems. To design an effective autoencoder for ATLBO, this work proposes a parameter tuning optimization strategy for autoencoders. By using the proposed Autoencoder Parameter Tuning (APT) strategy, ATLBO can enjoy higher robustness than those without it. The experimental results show that it is three to six times better than state-of-the-art methods in solving ECM. We consider the strategy-induced overhead and take the execution time as the primary criterion to evaluate them. In addition, the experimental results show that, against the conventional wisdom that higher-accuracy auto encoders bring higher system performance, lower-accuracy ones can actually assist ATLBO in locating the best solutions. This work promotes a novel application of autoencoders in optimization theory and practice.