A Survey on the Computing Continuum and Meta-Operating Systems: Perspectives, Architectures, Outcomes, and Open...

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Network Engineering
• Distributed Systems

Background:

• The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and applications creates complex, heterogeneous network infrastructures.
• Efficiently deploying applications across diverse computing elements, from IoT to cloud, presents significant resource management and security challenges.
• The emergence of sixth generation (6G) networks necessitates integrated solutions for seamless connectivity and device management within the computing continuum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze recent technological advancements in computing continuum and meta-operating systems (meta-OSs).
• To identify and address challenges related to application deployment, resource management, and security in heterogeneous network environments.
• To propose an architectural approach for unifying access, data management, and security across the computing continuum.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review and analysis of recent literature on computing continuum and meta-OSs.
• Identification of key challenges in IoT integration, resource management, and security.
• Development and discussion of a proposed architectural framework for the computing continuum.
• Presentation of use cases and scenarios illustrating meta-OS functionality.

Main Results:

• Recent advances in meta-OSs offer potential solutions for managing heterogeneous computing continuum environments.
• Key challenges include device interconnection, resource allocation, and ensuring privacy and threat protection.
• A proposed architectural approach integrates diverse components for unified management and seamless connectivity.
• Indicative use cases demonstrate the practical application of meta-OSs in the computing continuum.

Conclusions:

• Meta-operating systems are crucial for managing the complexity of the computing continuum.
• Unified approaches to access, data management, and security are essential for future network generations like 6G.
• Further research is needed to address open issues and fully realize the potential of meta-OSs in the computing continuum.