  Edge systems promise to bring data and computing closer to the users of
time-critical applications. Specifically, edge storage systems are emerging as
a new system paradigm, where users can retrieve data from small-scale servers
inter-operating at the network's edge. The analysis, design, and optimization
of such systems require a tractable model that will reflect their costs and
bottlenecks. Alas, most existing mathematical models for edge systems focus on
stateless tasks, network performance, or isolated nodes and are inapplicable
for evaluating edge-based storage performance.
  We analyze the capacity-region model - the most promising model proposed so
far for edge storage systems. The model addresses the system's ability to serve
a set of user demands. Our analysis reveals five inherent gaps between this
model and reality, demonstrating the significant remaining challenges in
modeling storage service at the edge.
