Linux-built applications without modification. We note that this article focuses on the migration of back-end application components between different MECs, where LXC and KVM are applicable because the server often has a Linux-based operating system. The core idea of the method we use for live migration is derived from [@tychoandersen2014], which proposed an LXC live migration mechanism. We have largely extended [@tychoandersen2014] so that our approach works with multiple layers (see below), applies (with minor alterations) to the live migration of KVM and undoubtedly other container and VM technologies as well.

In the following, we first describe a basic procedure that we have developed for performing stateful live migrations in MEC environments. Then we describe our layered framework built on top of this basic procedure that optimizes live migration time further.

Basic Procedure of Stateful Live Migration in MECs
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To migrate an application, the in-memory state of a running guest OS is recorded, transferred, and then recreated at the destination. The in-memory state includes the applications, system processes, and resources currently loaded into memory for quick access. It contains the progress (state) of running applications, including any data that the application is currently working on. Transferring the in-memory state 