What is Edge Computing ?

 EDGE COMPUTING

Edge computing is a distributed computing model that moves data processing and storage closer to the devices where the data is generated, rather than relying on a centralized cloud or data center. By processing data at the "edge" of the network, this technology enables real-time responses, reduces latency, minimizes network bandwidth usage, and improves application performance for latency-sensitive applications like autonomous vehicles and industrial automation.  

 

Why is edge computing important?

Edge computing is becoming more popular because it allows enterprises to collect and analyze their raw data more efficiently. More than ever, organizations need instant access to their data to make informed decisions about their operational efficiency and business functions. When appropriately used, edge computing has the potential to help organizations improve safety and performance, automate processes, and improve user experience.

Here are some benefits of edge computing.

Reduced latency/increased speed

In many industries, technology demands almost instant transfer of data. Take the example of a piece of robotic machinery on a factory floor. If a production incident makes it unsafe for that robot to keep operating, it needs to receive that information as fast as possible so it can shut down.

Improved data security

With edge computing, the majority of data is processed and stored locally. Any information that needs to be sent back to the data center can be encrypted before transmission. Enterprises also use edge computing to comply with data sovereignty laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), by keeping any sensitive data close to the source.

 

Increased productivity

Enterprises improve operational and employee productivity by responding more quickly to information. By analyzing data collected at the source, organizations can improve areas of their facilities, infrastructure, or equipment that are underperforming. Edge computing can be teamed with artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to derive business intelligence and insights that helps employees and enterprises perform more productively. 

Remote data collection

It is challenging to collect data from places with unreliable connectivity and bandwidth. Establishing compute and data storage capabilities at the network edge helps enterprises collect and transmit data from distant oil fields, industrial zones, and offshore vessels. 

Reduced costs

Sending large quantities of data from its origin to centralized data centers is expensive because it requires more bandwidth. The edge computing model allows you to decrease the amount of data being sent from sites to data centers because end users only send critical data. Depending on how much data your business sends and processes, this could significantly save operating costs. 

Reliable performance

Edge computing often takes place in remote areas where internet connectivity is scarce. By setting up an edge computing environment, enterprises ensure that their operations reliably process, analyze, and store data. This significantly reduces the chances of suffering from operational downtime caused by network or connectivity disruption.

Which industries use edge computing?

The high speeds and low latency of data transfer, combined with the relative ease of installing edge devices, have seen edge computing widely used across industries. 

Here are some examples.

Manufacturing

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as sensors and gateways has made edge computing systems prevalent in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers utilize edge computing solutions to enable automation, collect data on-site, improve production efficiency, and allow rapid machine-to-machine communication.

Autonomous vehicles

Autonomous vehicles like self-driving cars are fitted with several IoT sensors that collect large amounts of data every second. They require real-time data processing for instant response and cannot rely on a remote server for split-second decision-making.

Additionally, autonomous vehicles interact more efficiently if they communicate with each other first, as opposed to sending data on weather conditions, traffic, accidents, or detours to a remote server. Edge computing is critical technology for ensuring their safety and ability to accurately judge road conditions.

Energy

Energy companies use edge computing to collect and store data on oil rigs, gas fields, wind turbines, and solar farms. Rig operators commonly deploy edge artificial intelligence to detect hazards and optimize and inspect their pipelines. Edge computing helps the industry improve operational efficiency, keep its workers safe, and forecast when maintenance work needs to be undertaken.