Convergence of Edge Computing and Next Generation Networking

Dear Colleagues,

Fulfilling the edge computing promise of zero (low) latency, high bandwidth communication, low energy consumption, and (potentially) enhanced data security and privacy, it is expected that there will be a significant push towards edge application/service deployment. Edge computing not only offers developments in the network architecture, but also presents a potential for innovation in service patterns, assuming that application/service Quality of Service (QoS) constraints can be fulfilled along its lifetime. From a network organization viewpoint, several hierarchical layers of edge nodes with different capabilities can be deployed, thus distributing the resources toward the end-user to support the execution of applications and their data; this will generate a more fluid edge network model. On the other hand, with the rapid development of information technology, the network is experiencing unprecedented transformations, as both the number of connections and the volume of data are extensively increased. To ensure that the networks are suitable for such ever-growing diverse needs, many novel networking technologies have been proposed, covering both the access and the backbone network. As an example, the relatively recent Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) initiative, which targets an open, virtualized and interoperable RAN, advocates for the integration of AI and machine learning to enable smarter network management; this will lead to more efficient resource utilization, predictive maintenance, and enhanced security features. Software-defined Networking (SDN) decouples the control plane from the data plane to enable more flexible and customized network flow control. The Information-Centric Network (ICN) evolves the current Internet infrastructure from the host-centric paradigm to the data or service-name-centric paradigm. These newly emerging networking technologies are already widely regarded as the key enabling technologies in future networks.

Service provisioning at the edge, however, is associated with numerous challenges that are unique to distributed edge cloud environments. A fundamental limitation of the approach is that in contrast to traditional cloud platforms and data centers, edge clouds have limited resources and may not always be able to satisfy application demands for resources. It is clear that only introducing support for the execution of applications at edge nodes (e.g., through containerization) is not sufficient. The seamless integration of all levels of the infrastructure and novel management approaches that coordinate and orchestrates its (virtualized) resources vertically and horizontally, while ensuring QoS, is of paramount importance.

This Special Issue aims to compile novel research on algorithmic, architectural, and system issues, as well as on experimental aspects that advance the state of the art in the design of integrated resource management in future decentralized edge networks. Prospective authors are invited to submit original, high-quality contributions in areas including, but not limited to, the following:

• AI techniques for resource management and distributed control;
• Multi-scale, closed-loop control techniques for edge-cloud networks;
• Analysis of fundamental trade-offs in edge systems, including metrics such as energy efficiency, latency, overhead, cost, among others;
• Algorithmic approaches for end-to-end network slicing and SLA assurance;
• Approaches for cross-domain, cross-edge resource federation and trustworthy cooperation;
• Data management in decentralized and federated edge networks;
• Application acceleration use cases, including the metaverse;
• Novel use cases and applications for converged edge-cloud networks;
• Security analysis and solutions for decentralized edge networks;
• Data-driven techniques to enhance network security;
• Design and optimization of edge-cloud solutions for private networks;
• Beyond containerization workload management models;
• Large-scale testbed design and trial.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Future Internet.

Dr. Armir Bujari
Dr. Gabriele Elia
Prof. Dr. Johann M. Marquez-Barja
Guest Editors

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