Optimizing End-to-End Latency for Uplink Joint Source-Channel Coding Systems

Core Concepts

The core message of this paper is to propose an approach to minimize the maximum end-to-end latency in an uplink joint source-channel coding (JSCC) system by jointly optimizing the compression ratio, channel truncation threshold, and resource allocation.

Abstract

The paper presents a system model for an uplink JSCC-based communication system, where each device compresses its source data using a JSCC encoder and transmits the encoded symbols to a base station. The base station then decodes the received symbols using a JSCC decoder. The authors first analyze the relationship between end-to-end latency and task performance, and establish an end-to-end delay model for each device. They then formulate an optimization problem to minimize the maximum end-to-end latency across all devices while ensuring the task performance requirement for each device is met. The optimization problem is shown to be NP-hard, so the authors transform it into a more tractable form. They derive the closed-form solution for the optimal compression ratio, channel truncation threshold selection, and resource allocation policy. Additionally, a heuristic algorithm with low complexity is proposed to solve the problem. Simulation results demonstrate that both the proposed optimal algorithm and the heuristic algorithm significantly reduce the end-to-end latency compared to benchmark schemes. The heuristic algorithm achieves nearly the same performance as the optimal solution but with considerably lower computational complexity.

Stats

The computational cost of the encoder at the local device k is LkCl k = LkCsHW, where Lk is the number of images to be processed at device k, Cs is the required number of CPU cycles per pixel using the encoder, and HW is the size of the input image. The transmission delay of device k is given by tt k = D0ok Me−gk Ts τk, where D0 is the size of the input image, ok is the compression ratio, gk is the channel truncation threshold, τk is the time slot allocated to device k, and Ts is the symbol duration. The computational latency of decoding the message from device k at the edge is tc k = LkCd k f c k , where Cd k is the computational cost to decode an image at the decoder of device k, and f c k is the computation resource allocated to decode the message from device k.

Quotes

"While existing studies have highlighted the advantages of deep learning (DL)-based joint source-channel coding (JSCC) schemes in enhancing transmission efficiency, they often overlook the crucial aspect of resource management during the deployment phase." "Motivated by these considerations, this paper aims to minimize the maximum end-to-end latency of the uplink transmission from all devices in the system while ensuring task performance."

Key Insights Distilled From

Minimizing End-to-End Latency for Joint Source-Channel Coding Systems

by Kaiyi Chi,Qi... at arxiv.org 04-01-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.20198.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the proposed approach be extended to handle heterogeneous devices with different computational and communication capabilities

The proposed approach can be extended to handle heterogeneous devices with different computational and communication capabilities by introducing device-specific parameters and constraints into the optimization framework. Each device can be assigned unique constraints based on its computational power, communication resources, and performance requirements. By incorporating these device-specific parameters into the optimization problem, the algorithm can dynamically adjust the compression ratio, channel truncation threshold, and resource allocation for each device to minimize end-to-end latency while ensuring task performance. Additionally, the algorithm can be modified to consider the varying capabilities of different devices and optimize the system's overall performance accordingly.

What are the potential drawbacks or limitations of the joint optimization of compression ratio, channel truncation threshold, and resource allocation, and how can they be addressed

One potential drawback of the joint optimization of compression ratio, channel truncation threshold, and resource allocation is the increased complexity of the optimization problem, leading to higher computational overhead. This complexity can make the algorithm challenging to implement in real-time systems or environments with limited processing capabilities. To address this limitation, techniques such as heuristic algorithms, approximation methods, or distributed optimization strategies can be employed to reduce the computational complexity while still achieving near-optimal solutions. Additionally, leveraging machine learning algorithms or reinforcement learning techniques can help in finding efficient solutions to the optimization problem in a more scalable and adaptive manner.

What are the implications of the latency optimization framework developed in this paper on the design of future semantic communication systems, where the focus is on preserving the meaning of the transmitted information rather than just the bit-level accuracy

The latency optimization framework developed in this paper has significant implications for the design of future semantic communication systems, especially in scenarios where preserving the meaning of transmitted information is crucial. By focusing on minimizing end-to-end latency while ensuring task performance, the framework can enhance the efficiency and reliability of semantic communication systems. This optimization approach can lead to improved user experience, reduced transmission delays, and better utilization of resources in applications such as real-time video streaming, augmented reality, and interactive multimedia communication. Furthermore, the framework can pave the way for the development of intelligent communication systems that prioritize semantic content delivery over traditional bit-level accuracy, catering to the evolving needs of modern communication technologies.