DECENT: A Decentralized Configurator for Controlling Elasticity in Dynamic Edge Networks

Abstract

Recent advancements in distributed systems have enabled deploying low-latency and highly resilient edge applications close to the IoT domain at the edge of the network. The broad range of edge application requirements combined with heterogeneous, resource-constrained, and dynamic edge networks make it particularly challenging to configure and deploy them. Besides that, missing elastic capabilities on the edge makes it difficult to operate such applications under dynamic workloads. To this end, this article proposes a lightweight, self-adaptive, and decentralized mechanism (DECENT) for (1) deploying edge applications on edge resources and on premises of Edge-Cloud infrastructure and (2) controlling elasticity requirements. DECENT enables developers to characterize their edge applications by specifying elasticity requirements, which are automatically captured, interpreted, and enforced by our decentralized elasticity interpreters. In response to dynamic workloads, edge applications automatically adapt in compliance with their elasticity requirements. We discuss the architecture, processes of the approach, and the experiment conducted on a real-world testbed to validate its feasibility on low-powered edge devices. Furthermore, we show performance and adaptation aspects through an edge safety application and its evolution in elasticity space (i.e., cost, resource, and quality).