In this chapter, we will explore some of the most challenging edge computing scenarios – that is, those where connectivity back to an AWS region might be intermittent or non-existent. It is difficult to effectively run a globally distributed system when the endpoints aren’t consistently reporting back. Even in such circumstances, AWS services allow customers to maintain operations while disconnected from the broader network.

As we proceed, we will build upon what we have learned in previous chapters to address such scenarios by joining AWS services with each other and with communication technologies such as SATCOM, 5G, and NB-IoT.

We will cover the following topics:

Overview of DDIL

SATCOM for DDIL

Tactical edge

Private 5G and DDIL

Overview of DDIL

In most situations involving cloud computing, consistent and reliable connectivity is table stakes. Some situations present unique challenges. This includes those where connections are prone to denial, disruption, intermittence, or limitation, collectively termed as Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) connectivity. Let’s take a closer look at these terms:

Denied connectivity: This refers to environments where communication networks are unavailable or inaccessible. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including deliberate jamming, physical damage to infrastructure, or restrictive policies that block access to certain networks.

Disrupted connectivity: This includes scenarios where established networks face intermittent disruptions due to various factors, such as environmental conditions, hardware malfunctions, or cyber-attacks. These disruptions can vary in scale and frequency, potentially leading to significant delays and loss of data.

Intermittent connectivity: This is when connections are sporadic and not continuously available. This can often be seen in remote areas or during mobile communications where connections might be lost and regained periodically.

Limited connectivity: These are settings where the available network resources are constrained, either due to bandwidth restrictions or limited coverage. The most typical examples are in remote areas where low-bandwidth satellite connections are all that is available.