inCoord: Intent-based Coordination in the Multi-domain Cloud-Edge Continuum

Abstract

The computing continuum aims to break the isolation of edge and cloud computing, creating a smooth and heterogeneous infrastructure surface for deploying applications. However, the continuum is practically fragmented, with infrastructure managed in isolation by various parties in a vertical dimension, i.e., edge, fog, and cloud layers, and horizontally, i.e., computing, network, and storage domains. This scenario negatively impacts the fulfillment of the application objectives. We propose inCoord, an intent-aware solution that enables the creation of a unified computing continuum by coordinating its instances to fulfill application objectives. Each instance represents a cluster of (compute, storage, or network) nodes with their own manager component. Traditionally, systems take low-level actions on these instances. In contrast, inCoord learns their emerging behaviors and adapts their managers' objectives to fulfill the application's intents. Here, through a Reinforcement-Learning-based Proof of Concept, we show the potential of this system to understand emerging behavior and manage multi-domain, independently managed instances.