Deadline-aware Task Scheduling for Cloud Computing using Firefly Optimization Algorithm

Task scheduling poses a major challenge for cloud computing environments. Task scheduling ensures cost-effective task execution and improved resource utilization. It is classified as a NP-hard problem due to its nondeterministic polynomial time nature. This characteristic motivates researchers to employ meta-heuristic algorithms. The number of cloud users and computing capabilities is leading to increased concerns about energy consumption in cloud data centers. In order to leverage cloud resources in the most energy-efficient manner while delivering real-time services to users, a viable cloud task scheduling solution is necessary. This study proposes a new deadline-aware task scheduling algorithm for cloud environments based on the Firefly Optimization Algorithm (FOA). The suggested scheduling algorithm achieves a higher level of efficiency in multiple parameters, including execution time, waiting time, resource utilization, the percentage of missed tasks, power consumption, and makespan. According to simulation results, the proposed algorithm is more effective and superior to the CSO algorithm under HP2CN and NASA workload archives.