Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Edge Computing
3.
Benefits of Edge Computing
4.
FAQs
5.
Key Takeaways
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024
Easy

Edge Computing

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Introduction

The concept of Edge Computing is an extension of Cloud Computing. The Cloud Computing that is most popular nowadays requires the computation of data to be done at the side of resources. That is, let's say we have generated some data in a device that uses cloud computing. The data that is generated is to be transferred to the cloud server far away and get computed, and then revert back to the device as a result/output. But this seems time-consuming, right? Well, Yes, here enters the concept of edge computing. Edge Computing is the opposite of it. Let’s take a closer look at it.

Edge Computing

The computing process should have to take care of three properties, they are

  • Bandwidth.
  • Latency.
  • Cost Saving and Traffic.

A computing concept should be evaluated by briefly looking at the aforementioned concepts.
Edge Computing is a distributed Computing mechanism, an extension of cloud computing, where the resources and compute will move at or near the data source. This can be graphically represented as follows.

source

Over here, we can see that the compute, resources, and mini servers will move at the devices in which edge computing is placed, i.e., the device where the data is generated.
The major use-case of Edge Computing is “self-driving cars.

Self-driving cars:

Self Driving cars will generate a huge amount of data due to the presence of sensors. And it requires a huge amount of computational resources as it should be too dynamic in nature. Let’s say the computation as whether a self-driving car should apply a brake when a person is standing on the road. This generates a huge amount of data. But if we use cloud computing here, then the data is to be transferred to the cloud servers, which are far away from the device, and get back the results after computation. This may result in high latency. 

What if we use Edge Computing here. This Edge computing makes resources available at the self-driving car itself to decrease the latency tremendously.

source

From the architecture diagram, we can say that there are mainly three layers in edge computing. They are,

  • The Cloud Edge.
  • The local Edge.
  • The device Edge.

The Cloud Edge includes all the cloud information, storage resources, data processing resources, etc. Whereas in local edge, the presence of edge servers, etc., can be seen. And the last layer, i.e., the device Edge, will contain the devices, their generated data, the connection lines, etc.
Here basically, edge computing will distribute the computing resources or data processing workload to a localized or integrated computer or device to compute the data at the data generated device itself.

Let's take a brief look at the very important part of edge computing, i.e., Edge server.
The edge server is an important part of edge computing. An edge server is nothing but a device or computer that is located near the edge computing installed device. Edge server will act as an intermediary between the cloud and devices. The best example for edge servers is rugged servers. The main intention of Edge computing is “If you cannot get the data closer to the data center, get the data center closer to the data.”.

So let’s answer the question, “Will Edge Computing replaces cloud computing?”.
Well, as we said earlier, edge computing is just a compliment or an extension of cloud computing as this edge computing may not suit all the IoT devices well due to architecture and implementation problems.
Thus we can easily say that edge computing will not replace cloud computing.

Benefits of Edge Computing

  • BandWidth: 
    As edge computing uses the resources to be located near or at the device where data is generated, the movement of data will be nill. The data transfer will reduce compared to cloud computing. This indirectly reduces network bandwidth usage, which is best. 
  • Latency:
    The Latency, i.e., how late the response will be made, will be reduced in the case of edge computing. This is because as the data processing resources will be available at or near the device, it’s just a matter of computing that is to be done at the device. Thus this will result in low latency.
  • Congestion:
    Since the device data isn’t actually moving anywhere, the chance of congestion will be very less.
  • Security and Reliability:
    We can see that if the data is actually transferring to other locations or devices, then we may fear security problems. But, in this edge computing, the data is not moving like to a cloud data center, etc. Thus security problems are significantly, very less.
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FAQs

  1. What is Edge Computing?
    Edge computing is an extension of Cloud Computing. It is a concept where the data is not transferred to the cloud to get computed; instead, the computational resources will move towards the device that generated data. This will reduce the latency and increase the computation speed.
  2. What are the three layers in Edge Computing?
    Edge Computing will involve three layers. They are the cloud layer where the cloud storage and computational resources will be initiated. The local layer, the presence of edge servers, etc., can be seen here. And at last, the device layer, we can see the devices, their generated data, etc., here.
  3. What is the difference between edge computing and cloud computing?
    Cloud computing is where the data gets computed at the cloud data center, but in the case of edge computing, the computation will be done at or near the device that generates the data. This will increase efficiency and reduce latency.
  4. What are the best advantages of edge computing?
    Edge computing will result in reduced-bandwidth use, low latency, cost-saving, and security and reliability. It also results in reducing congestion.

Key Takeaways

Very Well Done on reaching the end of the article, we have covered what edge computing is, the edge computing architecture, its benefits, and a simple use-case, i.e., the self-driving car. We will explore this concept in the upcoming articles. Until then, keep exploring,

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