Edge computing transforms the way data from billions of devices can be stored and processed. It was created with the aim of lowering bandwidth costs to move raw data from the source to an enterprise data center or the cloud.
Edge computing and the widespread use of 5G wireless protocols are related. Modern, low-latency use cases can be processed more quickly thanks to 5G.
What’s edge computing?
Gartner defines edge computing as “a component of a distributed topology computing where information processing occurs near the edge–where things and people produce or consume that information.” ”
Edge computing allows you to store and compute data in a more convenient way than ever before. Edge computing relies on central locations, sometimes thousands of miles away. It allows companies to save money by processing locally. This decreases the amount of data that must go to a cloud-based or central location. You can think of devices that monitor production equipment on a factory floor or that transmit live footage from remote offices.
Edge-computing hardware and services can solve this problem. These devices provide local processing and storage capabilities for many systems.
What is the relationship between edge computing and 5G?
Edge computing can also be used on networks that are not 5G like 4G LTE. The reverse is true. 5G can be used by companies without an edge computing infrastructure. “By itself, 5G reduces network latency from an endpoint to a mobile tower but it doesn’t address the distance between the data center and the endpoint, which could pose problems for latency-sensitive apps,” says Dave McCarthy, IDC research chief for edge strategy.
Mahadev Sayanarayanan, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University is also a co-author of a 2009 paper which established the foundations for edge computing.
Edge computing, 5G wireless and it will all continue to interact as more 5G networks become available. Edge computing infrastructure can be deployed using different network models (wired and Wi-Fi, if necessary). But, in rural areas, 5G networks are more common, so companies may still use a 5G network.
How is edge computing implemented?
While the physical architecture of edge modules may seem complicated, it’s the idea behind it that clients connect to edge modules nearby for faster processing. Edge devices could include IoT sensors like an employee’s laptop, their latest smartphone, or security cameras.
An industrial edge device can be an autonomous mobile robot or a robot arm in an automobile factory. The terminology of edge servers and edge gateways can differ. Service providers will deploy many edge gateways and servers in order to support edge networks. Verizon, for example, has 5G network. However, enterprises that want to build a private network need to consider this hardware.
How do you purchase and deploy edge computing systems?
There are many options for how an edge system could be bought and used. This would involve selecting the right hardware from vendors such as HPE or IBM and designing a network that meets all the requirements.
Although this is a large undertaking that will require IT expertise, it can still be appealing for large companies who want an entirely customized edge deployment. Vendors who specialize in certain verticals are more skilled at marketing edge services. Organizations can request vendors to install their hardware, software, networking, and other necessary components. The vendors will charge a monthly fee to maintain and use the equipment. This includes IIoT offerings from companies like GE and Siemens. This approach is fairly straightforward and easy to deploy, but it might not work for all uses.
Which examples of edge computing are there?
Edge computing is a way to save money and provide the benefits of low latency.
Verizon Business discusses several edge scenarios. These include the use of a 5G edge network to create popup network ecosystems that change the way live content streams are delivered with sub-second latency. Edge-enabled sensors are able to capture detailed images of crowds in public places to improve safety and health. Edge-enabled sensors are also used to precisely model product quality by using digital twin technology. This allows for insight into manufacturing processes.
Different deployments will require different hardware. To operate in harsh environments such as a factory floor, they will require ruggedized edge nodes.
Connected agriculture users will still require a rugged edge device to deploy outdoors. This connectivity piece may look quite different. It may still be necessary to coordinate heavy equipment movement using low latency. However, environmental sensors have more data and range requirements. A Sigfox or similar LP-WAN connection could be the best choice.
Other use cases pose different challenges. Retailers can use edge nodes as an in-store clearinghouse for a variety of functionality. These nodes tie point-of-sale data to targeted promotions and track foot traffic for an integrated store management system.
This component of connectivity could be as simple or complex as Wi-Fi in the home for all devices, or more complicated with Bluetooth and other low-power connectivity for traffic tracking or promotional services. Wi-Fi can only be used for self-checkout or point-of-sale.
What are some of the benefits of edge computing?
Savings can be a motivator to use edge computing. May be an option.
Edge computing has the greatest advantage of being able to store and process data more quickly. This allows companies to create more efficient real-time applications. To run facial recognition algorithms, a smartphone would need to use a cloud-based platform. It would be slow and time-consuming, and it would also require a lot more effort.
Applications such as virtual and augmented realities, self-driving cars, smart cities and building-automation systems require this level of processing and response.
Privacy and security concerns
Security risks can be present when data is at the edge. Security risks can be present if data is being managed from the edge.
There are many requirements for edge devices, including electricity, processing power, and network connectivity. This can affect their reliability. This ensures data is processed and delivered correctly even if one node fails.
