A Taxonomy of Performance Metrics for the Distributed Computing Continuum

2026-07-30

AI Summary

This work addresses the limitations of existing performance evaluation approaches for distributed computing continua, which often focus on a single dimension and fail to holistically characterize the behavior of cross-layer heterogeneous systems. The paper presents the first systematic framework that establishes a comprehensive taxonomy of performance metrics spanning three layers—computation, networking, and application/user—as well as emerging non-functional attributes such as sustainability and observability. By integrating mathematical modeling with cross-layer analysis, the study rigorously defines the applicability, measurement phases, and specifications for each metric category. The resulting framework is both clearly structured and extensible, offering a solid theoretical foundation and practical guidance for unified performance assessment in dynamic, heterogeneous environments.

Abstract

Performance evaluation is essential for understanding, comparing, and improving computing systems, including Distributed Computing Continuum Systems (DCCS). In recent years, computational requirements have changed substantially with the growth of artificial intelligence and large-scale data-driven applications. These application tasks are increasingly distributed between resource-intensive data centers and resource-constrained edge environments. In this context, novel computing continuum architectures and algorithms are emerging, creating a need for transparent and consistent performance evaluation. However, existing evaluation practices often focus on isolated dimensions, such as computation, networking, energy efficiency, or application-level quality, and therefore provide only a partial view of cross-layer DCCS behavior. This paper presents a structured taxonomy of performance metrics for DCCS. The taxonomy organizes metrics into computing-level, network-level, and application/user-level categories, while also highlighting emerging dimensions such as sustainability, observability, adaptability, data locality, migration awareness, and continuum fragmentation. Further, we provide mathematical formulations and discuss their relevance to heterogeneous and dynamic continuum environments. We also summarize metric acquisition requirements in terms of acquisition scope, acquisition phase, and measurement method. These requirements help clarify whether a metric can be collected from a single node, multiple nodes, or the full system, and whether it is more suitable for operational monitoring or experimental evaluation.

Problem

• Distributed Computing Continuum
• Performance Evaluation
• Taxonomy
• Cross-layer Metrics
• Heterogeneous Systems

Innovation

• taxonomy
• performance metrics
• distributed computing continuum
• heterogeneous systems
• observability