Efficient split learning with overlapping areas: handling distribution shift in multi-cell networksShow others and affiliations
2026 (English)In: IEEE Transactions on Networking, E-ISSN 2998-4157, Vol. 34, p. 2834-2849Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
In multi-cell wireless networks, providing intelligent services via federated learning (FL) becomes more challenging due to multi-level distribution shifts across clients and regions, as well as additional communication delays among edge and cloud servers. To address these issues, we propose SplitOMC, a split learning framework that integrates overlapping-area clients and a multi-exit neural architecture to jointly handle (i) client-preferred, (ii) out-of-preference, and (iii) out-of-region tasks. By strategically leveraging clients in overlapping regions, SplitOMC accelerates training without excessive backhaul communication, while maintaining both personalization and generalization. We theoretically analyze the convergence behavior of the proposed algorithm, ensuring performance stability under heterogeneous data and communication conditions. Extensive experiments on MNIST, CIFAR-10/100, and a real-world Jetson Nano testbed demonstrate that SplitOMC consistently achieves faster training and inference with improved accuracy compared to state-of-the-art methods. In particular, the framework shows robustness in resource-constrained and unstable network environments, highlighting its practical value for next-generation wireless intelligent services.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 2026. Vol. 34, p. 2834-2849
Keywords [en]
Distribution shift, Federated learning, Multi-cell networks, Personalization, Split learning
National Category
Computer Sciences Communication Systems
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-249027DOI: 10.1109/TON.2026.3654381Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105027387832OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-249027DiVA, id: diva2:2032413
2026-01-272026-01-272026-01-27Bibliographically approved