Lightweight Linux–Powered Edge Systems: Facilitating Secure and Efficient Container Workloads at the Edge

Abstract

Edge computing has emerged as a critical paradigm for processing data closer to its source, reducing latency, conserving bandwidth, and enabling real-time applications in resource-constrained environments. This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for lightweight Linux-powered edge systems that efficiently support containerized applications while maintaining robust security guarantees. Our experimental evaluation demonstrates that the proposed approach reduces memory footprint by 62% and CPU utilization by 47% compared to standard container deployments, while maintaining security posture comparable to cloud-based environments. Container startup latency is reduced by 71%, and we establish a dynamic resource allocation mechanism that adapts to changing workload characteristics. The framework has been successfully deployed across industrial IoT, smart city, and retail edge computing use cases, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness in real-world environments.