Computing Continuum Scenarios, Proof of Concepts, Requirements and Optical Communication Enablers: Release 2

This report introduces Computing Continuum use cases, requirements and KPIs on communication infrastructures, IoT and edge computing platforms. Compared to many current activities, the computing continuum enables a more flexible allocation of compute and communication resources and workload placement. Many novel applications require rather stringent KPIs since the IoT becomes more and more mission-critical. The new system requirements include strong security, very high bandwidth, very low delays, and very high reliability. Depending on the use case and deployment scenario, various technology enablers are currently under standardization, including the F5G optical network architecture, as well as novel approaches for computing, networking and establishing security.

Regarding computing continuum platforms, high-performance secure computing together with optical communication can be considered as an ideal combination fulfilling the high-end IoT requirements. In fact, many basic requirements for high-end IoT can be satisfied by optical communication enablers. Such enablers can also help meeting stringent communication requirements stemming from the distributed nature of the continuum including multiple, potentially different, computing locations.

Furthermore, high-end IoT devices, that may be connected via optical communication
technologies, can enable a whole new application area to be explored and supported. For
example, some use cases might need very high resolution and high frame rate of camera
sensors that send uncompressed video to AI-enabled analytics platforms with minimum delay.
These analytics platforms typically need to react fast on any given situation and steer actors
appropriately.
The proof of concepts validates the great potential of passive optical networks for new use
cases such as fibre to the room, but also for industrial applications where low latency In
combination with Wi-Fi is required.
Recommendations for the evolution of the current technologies employed for high-end IoT
systems running on computing continuum platforms are discussed.
Finally, it is shown that passive optical networks play an important role for decarbonizing vertical
sectors due to their improved footprint over conventional switch-based networking solutions,
especially in scenarios with large numbers of access points.