Consolidating virtual machines by using Ant colony system algorithm for green cloud computing

Abstract

Cloud computing is an internet based computing system enabling convenient, flexible, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, servers, storage, applications, services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interactions. Although cloud is a virtual and non-physical network-based concept, its implementation includes physical and wired connectivity among servers, hard-drives and other network devices resulting in large number of data centers. As such power and energy consumptions increase total carbon footprint which is very hazardous for the environment. Green Cloud Computing is a concept of consuming less physical power and saving energy by making the infrastructure more virtual. With the help of the Ant Colony System (ACS) algorithm, it is possible to consolidate the Virtual Machines and make Cloud Computing more virtual than it already is. This algorithm describes a mechanism of indirect coordination, through the environment, between agents or actions e.g. communication about paths between ants with the help of pheromones. Using this technique, the Virtual Machines (VMs) that constitute Cloud Computing can be amalgamated and consolidated. Thus, Green Cloud Computing can be easily globalized.