TU Wien:Serverless Computing VU (Nastic)/Exam 2025 01 28

In the following are the main things that the questions asked about as well as their points (X):

Function Virtualization and Isolation: Identify different methods and technologies that enable the virtualization and isolation of serverless functions. Containers in Serverless: Define containers and explain their role in serverless computing, including the advantages and disadvantages of using containers. Container Orchestrators: Describe the key responsibilities of high- and low-level container runtimes, and provide examples of each. (10)

Edge-Cloud Continuum: Explain the Edge-Cloud Continuum concept and how it contrasts with traditional cloud and edge computing, including the pros and cons of this approach. Types of Heterogeneity: Identify and describe the three main types of heterogeneity present in the Edge-Cloud continuum. (4)

Data Passing Approaches: Describe two common methods for transferring data between functions in serverless architectures, considering the limitations of current platforms. Method Comparison: Compare the two methods based on efficiency, scalability, and reliability. Use Case Examples: Provide scenarios where each method would be most suitable. (6)

Scale to Zero: Define the concept of "scale to zero" in serverless computing. Benefits of Scale to Zero: Describe the advantages provided by scaling to zero. Achieving Scale to Zero: Explain how scale to zero is typically implemented in serverless function execution models. Example Mechanism: Provide an example mechanism used by serverless platforms to enable scaling to zero. (10)

Failure Handling Approaches: List common strategies for addressing failures in serverless workflows. Beldi’s “Exactly Once” Semantics: Explain how Beldi ensures "exactly once" invocation semantics for stateful serverless functions, particularly for synchronous invocations. (5)

Example scenario given. Provide a serverless architecture (optional also an image of the architecture) for the sample scenario. Describe what functions and BaaS services are used and how they interact with each other. (5)