Plastic computing, the cloud continuum journey beyond infinity

TL;DR

This paper introduces plastic computing, an extendable paradigm that optimizes service performance across heterogeneous network infrastructures, including edge, cloud, and non-terrestrial networks like satellites, to meet future 6G demands.

Contribution

It proposes the concept of plastic computing, a flexible framework for resource mapping and coordination in diverse network environments, extending the cloud continuum beyond traditional boundaries.

Findings

Preliminary examples show potential for improved service performance.

Framework supports integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

Bidirectional coordination enhances resource utilization.

Abstract

The ever increasing challenges introduced by the diversity of current and envisioned network technologies and IT infrastructure draw a highly distributed and heterogeneous topology where innovative services must be optimally deployed to guarantee maximum level of quality for users. Indeed, paradigms such as the cloud continuum, bringing together edge and cloud computing, along with the new opportunities coming out by considering non-terrestrial networks connecting future 6G ecosystems, all with no doubt facilitate the development of innovative services in many different areas and verticals. However, considering the intensive data and quality requirements demanded by these services, the distribution of the execution tasks must be optimally designed. On the infrastructure side, several initiatives are already active aimed at providing a Meta-OS that may seamlessly manage the different actors (services, infrastructure and users) playing under this paradigm. However, several aspects remain yet limited, particularly when referring to the mapping of resources into services, where innovative technologies based on bidirectional coordination and modeling may be pivotal for an optimal performance. In addition, the upcoming demands coming from the adoption of network technologies easing users connection with high levels of quality, such as 6G, as well the study of NTN open up the traditional cloud continuum to include also satellites that may extend the cloud paradigm further than ever considered. This paper shows a seed work toward an extendable paradigm so called as plastic computing whose main objective is to optimize service performance and users satisfaction, through considering a bidirectional strategy, easily extendable to adopt novel network and IT technologies and paradigms. Finally, two examples are briefly introduced to highlight the potential benefits of the plastic computing adoption