Compute Continuum
Content
Modern computing has moved away from the desktop computer to the cloud, where resources and data are shared alike. Yet the Cloud computing paradigm suffers from the scope and complexity of modern compute scenarios, where data may reside anywhere, be produced and consumed anytime in any amount, and where users are mobile and distributed all over the world. To reduce the load on servers and the network, Fog and Edge computing were introduced - forms of distributed computing with flexible and variable allocation and load.
This course will introduce the concept of the compute continuum, which aims at executing distributed applications flexibly over any infrastructure. The goal is to adapt immediately to different usage contexts. The compute continuum aims at scenarios arising from connected smart homes, smart cities, global logistic networks etc.
Within this lecture, we will investigate the relevant technologies to realise such an environment, and when it can be used, as well as its obstacles. The lecture is essentially segmented into three parts: The first part focuses on the hardware layer, including equally the type of processors, embedded system architectures and their connectivity. In the second part we will talk about the main principles of distributed computing, including how data is distributed and processed, and which use case criteria are fulfilled how. The third part is focusing on adaptive execution in the compute continuum, that includes embedded Operating Systems, virtualisation and containerisation.
Learning Objectives
The students will learn about the main characteristics of internet based and distributed computing. They will know and understand the main criteria that differentiate between cloud, fog and edge computing, as well as their respective use scopes and restrictions. They will be able to assess the performance, scale and responsiveness of such environments. At the end of the lecture, the students will have learned about the key technologies, and how they are realised, respectively used. The students will have been enabled to identify the main drawbacks of current technologies. They will have gained insight into how these technologies will develop and how the compute continuum can principally be realised.
Knowledge Requirements
Basic knowledge of distributed systems and communication networks, as well as computer architecture is desirable. Some programming knowledge in structured or object oriented programming languages is required for performing the exercises.