Edge-based Microservices Architecture for Internet of Things

In this paper, we describe how the microservices paradigm can be used to design and implement distributed edge services for Internet of Things applications. As a case study, traditionally monolithic user mobility analysis service is developed, with distributed and extendable microservices, for the standardized ETSI MEC system reference architecture. In each of the edge system three tiers, microservices implement the service logic with components for movement trace analysis, movement prediction and visualization of the results. The distributed service is implemented with Docker containers and evaluated on real-world settings with low capacity edge servers and real user mobility data. The results show that the edge promise of low latency can be met in such as implementation. The integration of a software development technology with a standardized edge system provides solid background for further development.