An Open-Source Experimentation Framework for the Edge Cloud Continuum

Abstract: The CODECO Experimentation Framework is an open-source solution designed for the rapid experimentation of Kubernetes-based edge cloud deployments. It adopts a microservice-based architecture and introduces innovative abstractions for (i) the holistic deployment of Kubernetes clusters and associated applications, starting from the VM allocation level; (ii) declarative cross-layer experiment configuration; and (iii) automation features covering the entire experimental process, from the configuration up to the results visualization. We present proof-of-concept results that demonstrate the above capabilities in three distinct contexts: (i) a comparative evaluation of various network fabrics across different edge-oriented Kubernetes distributions; (ii) the automated deployment of EdgeNet, which is a complex edge cloud orchestration system; and (iii) an assessment of anomaly detection (AD) workflows tailored for edge environments.