Constructing distributed time-critical applications using cognitive enabled services

• Published in: Future generation computer systems 2019-11, Vol.100, p.70-85
• Main Authors: Simpkin, Chris, Taylor, Ian, Bent, Graham A., de Mel, Geeth, Rallapalli, Swati, Ma, Liang, Srivatsa, Mudhakar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Decentralized workflows; Distributed fitness functions; Dynamic wireless networks; Quality of experience; Quality of service; Time-critical applications; Vector symbolic architectures
• ISSN: 0167-739X; 1872-7115
• DOI: 10.1016/j.future.2019.04.010

Time-critical analytics applications are increasingly making use of distributed service interfaces (e.g., micro-services) that support the rapid construction of new applications by dynamically linking the services into different workflow configurations. Traditional service-based applications, in fixed networks, are typically constructed and managed centrally and assume stable service endpoints and adequate network connectivity. Constructing and maintaining such applications in dynamic heterogeneous wireless networked environments, where limited bandwidth and transient connectivity are commonplace, presents significant challenges and makes centralized application construction and management impossible. In this paper we present an architecture which is capable of providing an adaptable and resilient method for on-demand decentralized construction and management of complex time-critical applications in such environments. The approach uses a Vector Symbolic Architecture (VSA) to compactly represent an application as a single semantic vector that encodes the service interfaces, workflow, and the time-critical constraints required. By extending existing services interfaces, with a simple cognitive layer that can interpret and exchange the vectors, we show how the required services can be dynamically discovered and interconnected in a completely decentralized manner. We demonstrate the viability of this approach by using a VSA to encode various time-critical data analytics workflows. We show that these vectors can be used to dynamically construct and run applications using services that are distributed across an emulated Mobile Ad-Hoc Wireless Network (MANET). Scalability is demonstrated via an empirical evaluation. •An Architecture for decentralized construction and control of time critical applications.•Cognitively enabling existing services using a Vector Symbolic Architecture (VSA).•Complex service workflow orchestration at the network edge with no central point of control.•Semantic encoding of services, workflows, and the time-critical constraints for QoS and QoE.•Empirical proof that VSA encoding methods are scalable to complex workflows.