Non-functional requirements elicitation for edge computing

Abstract

The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices and advances in their computing capabilities give an impetus to the Edge Computing (EC) paradigm that can facilitate localize computing and data storage. As a result, limitations like network connectivity issues, data mobility constraints, and real-time processing delays, in Cloud computing can be addressed more efficiently. EC can create a lot of opportunities across the breadth of the IT domains and cyber–physical systems. Several studies have been conducted describing EC general requirements, challenges, and issues. However, considering the complexity involved in the EC paradigm, non-functional requirements (NFRs) are equally important as functional requirements, to be thoroughly investigated. This paper discusses NFRs, namely, performance, reliability, scalability, and security that can assist in maturing the EC paradigm. To accomplish the objective, available case studies and the state-of-the-art related to non-functional requirements, real-world issues, and challenges concerning EC are reviewed. Ultimately, the paper anatomizes the aforementioned NFRs leveraging the six-part scenario form of source-stimulus-artifact-environment-response-response measure to assert Quality of Service (QoS) in EC.