SoK: Distributed Computing in ICN

What is it about?

Information-Centric Networking (ICN), with its data-oriented operation and generally more powerful forwarding layer, provides an attractive platform for distributed computing. This paper provides a systematic overview and categorization of different distributed computing approaches in ICN encompassing fundamental design principles, frameworks and orchestration, protocols, enablers, and applications. We discuss current pain points in legacy distributed computing, attractive ICN features, and how different systems use them. This paper also provides a discussion of potential future work for distributed computing in ICN

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Photo by Jordan Harrison on Unsplash

Photo by Jordan Harrison on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Traditional distributed systems rely on temporary overlay solutions to manage the complexity of host-centric networking. This not only increases the implementation and maintenance workload but also reduces potential joint optimization opportunities since the overlay manner separates the application layer and transport/network layers. This reminds us to revise this relationship between distributed computing systems and their built-on networking. ICN provides a much powerful forwarding plane, which may bring promising changes to distributed computing systems. This paper discusses this in several aspects and proposes future directions to facilitate research.