Edge Computing

Cloud Computing is one of incentives to Internet of Things(IoT) . IoT deals

with large amount of data which needs to be processed at the centralised
cloud. Devices connected to distant centralized cloud servers try to access
applications, which impose additional load on both Radio Access
Networks (RANs) and backhaul networks and result in high latency. Also, as
the amount of data to be stored and processed is to increase in the future, the
shortcomings of cloud computing is realized. Owing to these backdrops of
cloud computing, an advanced cloud computing paradigm that breaks
through the centralized architecture which is more lenient to the capacity and
latency constraints is instigated called as Edge Computing. In edge
computing, smart devices with computation power are placed on the edge of
network instead of holding that processing power in a cloud or a central data
warehouse. Bringing computation to the network’s edge minimizes the
amount of long-distance communication that has to happen between a client
and server. It enables analytics and knowledge generation to occur at the
source of the data. When data analysis is done at the edge of a network, it is
known as "edge analytics”.

It places processing close to the data source rather than perform concentrated
processing at a distinct central location. Applications that produce a large
amount of data can be best processed at the edge. It would eliminate the need
to transfer all the data readings, rather than processing the application in a
cloud environment that require transferring all those data. It is less expensive
compared to cloud computing. The response time of application is faster when
there are thousands of sensors, in case of IoT, using edge computing.
How Edge Computing is Implemented?

An edge computing facility can be located within a warehouse. In past few

years, Micro Modular Data Centers(MMDCs) have grown popularity. An
MMDC is a complete computing facility box, and it includes: Processors,
network, power, cooling and fire suppression, protection from shock and
vibration. MMDCs are constructed and configured at a central facility and then
shipped to a location close to the data source.
It places processing close to the data source rather than perform concentrated
processing at a distinct central location. Applications that produce a large
amount of data can be best processed at the edge. It would eliminate the need
to transfer all the data readings, rather than processing the application in a
cloud environment that require transferring all those data. It is less expensive
compared to cloud computing. The response time of application is faster when
there are thousands of sensors, in case of IoT, using edge computing.

What magic can edge computing do?

 The edge provides more time-sensitive and responsive processing.

 The edge is less dependent on network connectivity, which increases
reliability in the face of unknown connectivity.
 The edge enables dedicated processing for a single, specific task.
 The edge provides ready access to highly individualized data.

Edge Computing Vs. Cloud Computing

 First, it’s important to understand that cloud and edge computing are
different, non-interchangeable technologies that cannot replace one
another.
 Edge computing is used to process time-sensitive data, while cloud
computing is used to process data that is not time-driven.
 Besides latency, edge computing is preferred over cloud computing in
remote locations, where there is limited or no connectivity to a
centralized location. These locations require local storage, similar to a
mini data center, with edge computing providing the perfect solution for
it.

 Edge computing is also beneficial to specialized devices. These

specialized computing devices are intelligent and respond to particular
machines in a specific way.
 One could argue that processing and storing critical information at the
edge mean less information is stored at each location. An attack on one
site will not compromise all of an enterprise's data. The counter
argument here is storing data at numerous sites makes it more
vulnerable.
Edge Computing in Future:
Edge computing will undoubtedly continue to increase as new types of IoT
devices develop. It could also prove to be a viable alternative --
or complement -- to cloud computing, especially for applications that require
fast response times. Many industry analysts and technology experts have been
focusing on IoT as the primary driver for edge computing. This makes a lot of
sense since billions of things will need to interact with a nearby edge compute
resource.