Perspectives on Tier Classification of Underwater Computing Platforms

Underwater data centers have been recognized to be suitable future computing platforms due to the benefits of low cooling. In addition, underwater computing platforms reduce content access latency for coastal subscribers. The performance of underwater data centers is influenced by different system configuration parameters and different events such as ocean warming that occurs in the underwater environment. In addition, the capabilities of different underwater computing platforms to keep functioning given the occurrence of ocean warming events should also be considered. This challenge can be addressed by defining a tiering system for underwater computing platforms. The presented research proposes a four-tier system for underwater computing platforms. The four-tier system describes the different capabilities and operational contexts of underwater computing platforms enabling their continued functionality in the event of the occurrence of marine heat waves and ocean warming events.