The global IoT connections are projected to reach a staggering 46 billion by 2021. The connections are already sending tons of data across the network as IoT transforms the way we work and live. To handle the vast amount of data that’s only meant to increase by the year, a new computing model was designed.
Cue edge computing. What’s the edge computing definition, you ask? Before we answer, have you ever wondered what it takes to create the smart homes, smart cities, self-driving cars, and smart devices we use every day?
Edge Computing Definition: What Does Edge Computing Do?
What is edge computing? It’s an architecture where data processing happens close to the data source. With edge computing, the need to bounce data back and forth in the cloud before reaching the system or device is cut significantly, which maintains consistent performance.
The edge computing infrastructure is technically a network of numerous local micro data centers. These are meant for processing and storage purposes. Still, there’s a central data storage that oversees the whole process and gets insight into the local processes.
What does edge computing mean? Essentially, the name “edge” comes from the network diagram. You see, the point where traffic comes and goes is at the edge of the network.
Typically, an edge-computing system can process its data locally without necessarily connecting to the internet. This allows the systems to make real-time decisions within milliseconds.
How Does Edge Computing Differ From the Cloud?
One of the most significant differences between edge computing and cloud computing is that cloud computing is reliant on the cloud to process data.
Edge computing data, on the other hand, is processed and stored wherever it’s gathered in the devices and systems. While cloud computing is centralized, edge computing is decentralized.
With edge computing, all the issues accompanied by cloud computing, including bandwidth and latency issues, are eliminated. This means that users can access data faster, which enhances their experience when using smart devices, drones, self-drive cars, et al.
You can also check out the new unit in edge computing here.
What Is Edge Computing Used for?
Edge computing can be used in a wide array of industries. It can be used in an industrial setting for automation, surveillance, monitoring, and autonomous fleet cars. It can be used in healthcare, retail, eCommerce, and voice assistants.
Understanding Edge Computing: The Benefits It Has to Offer
There are several considerable benefits of edge computing, especially for businesses. It may come with some challenges, but the benefits outweigh the cons by a mile. Let’s take a look at those benefits:
No Latency Issues
Edge is a sweet spot between local service and the cloud. Cloud computing as we know it can be a bit slow, especially when the workload is overwhelming and the systems are unable to process data as fast as you need.
Edge Computing changes things because it is more efficient by processing data closer to the local source. This makes it easier for you to access the data as quickly as you need it.
Real-Time Data Processing
One of the most significant benefits of edge computing is that it’s processes data in real-time. Essentially, this makes it easy to perform applications on field devices but using deep learning algorithms. For instance, if a self-driving vehicle takes a few seconds to process data from the cloud, there would be accidents way too often.
However, it takes milliseconds to process data from the edge, and the self-driving car can access it much faster, eliminating accident risks.
It Offers Privacy
Given that edge computers process data locally, less data is sent to the cloud. It reduces the risk of data mishandling and misappropriation when it sits in the cloud for anybody to access.
Of course, this does not necessarily mean that this data is protected from cybersecurity threats like hackers. However, with integrity auditing and encryption authentication, it’s much private compared to being in the cloud.
Simpler Maintenance
Compared to cloud computing, edge computing requires fewer data centers and hence simple maintenance. Mobility and accessibility are also simplified because the edge computing equipment is more compact. This convenience means that even small businesses that can’t afford complex maintenance procedures can enjoy the benefits that come with edge computing.
Internet Bandwidth Reduction
Since edge computing performance data processing locally, internet bandwidth is reduced. With the edge, you don’t need to transmit data through the internet, so imagine how much your business can save. For this reason, edge computing is reliable compared to cloud computing because it doesn’t depend on an internet connection.
This means you can offer uninterrupted services without having to worry about slow internet connections or network failures. It makes edge computing useful in remote locations without reliable connections.
Less Power
Since edge computing processes data locally, you can also save on energy costs. You see, the devices don’t need to remain connected to the internet. They don’t need to keep transferring data back and forth either from the cloud, which means you’ll use less power.
It’s Cheaper
IoT Services can be quite expensive because you need Network burn bandwidth, computational power, as well as data storage. When you adapt to edge computing, you will reduce your data storage requirements, replace data centers, and reduce your bandwidth. It’ll amount to a significant cost reduction, even for your infrastructure.
Edge Computing: Everything You Need to Know
Now that you know the edge computing definition and what edge computing does, you can decide whether you want to adapt it for your business. As you can see, it comes with numerous benefits and would save you so much if you moved from cloud computing. If you have been looking for a solution that settles between local servers and the cloud, edge computing is the ultimate solution.
Did you learn something new today? Did you enjoy our article? If so, our website has so many more valuable posts for you, so please head over to our blog section today!
