What is Edge Computing (And Why do We Need it)?

Edge computing is the practice of capturing, processing, and analysing data near where it is created. It is data analysis that takes place on a device in real-time, processing data locally whereas cloud computing refers to processing data in a data centre or public cloud, often far from where the data is created. 

Data is processed at the collection point, or as close as possible, to enhance the efficient of IT systems and improve the speed of a network.

Using a hub-and-spoke model, (the cloud is the hub and everything on the outside of the spokes is the edge), meaning processes such as analytics and real-time decision-making take place closer to where the actual data is produced.

Key Takeaways:

1.  In edge computing, data is processed at the collection point or as close as possible to the actual physical location, or within the device, that creates the data, although it is not able to process as much data as fog or cloud.
2. Edge computing aids sustainability as it uses less power and reduces latency compared to central servers located in cloud data centres.
3. Edge computing improves the security and privacy of data as it can be stored on the edge of a network, rather than in one central location. 
4. Functions that are most efficiently optimised by the computing split between the end device and local network resources will be done at the edge, while big data applications that gain most by bringing together data from everywhere and running it through analytics and machine learning algorithms running in hyperscale data centres will remain in the cloud.

Benefits of Edge Computing

Edge computing saves bandwidth and reduces latency to deliver the high-speed digital experiences today's users expect.  

With edge, only the most important data is transmitted to the data centre for processing and the majority of the information is processed close to the point of collection. For example, a security camera in a remote warehouse uses AI to identify suspicious activity and only sends that specific data to the main data centre for processing. So, instead of the camera clogging the network 24 hours a day, every day, transmitting all of its footage, it only sends relevant video clips. This frees up the business's network bandwidth and computer resources for alternative uses. 
  
This noticeably improves the time taken to process data, which is vital for situations that need real-time decisions, such as directing autonomous cars when communicating with each other. 
 
Edge computing is useful when speed and/or efficiency are the vital elements. When computing is physically closer to the source of data, it can be analysed in near-real time.  
 
Edge computing can also cut down the volume of network traffic. Large volumes of data can be processed close to the source using small, distributed data centres, reducing the amount of Internet bandwidth taken up and improving latency (delayed or slow network and IT speeds) within your systems. That, in turn, cuts costs and ensures that applications can be used more effectively in remote locations.

What are the Disadvantages of Edge Computing?

Edge computing can be an expensive option as it does involve hosting, maintaining and running data centre equipment from your own facilities. In terms of costs, the energy draw, cooling costs and price of the hardware, as well as wages and maintenance costs associated, must be taken into consideration. 

Loss of data can be an issue with edge computing as the system will likely discard data that is not relevant. Whilst this keeps your IT system running smoothly, it could result in problems if information is needed and cannot be retrieved. 

Security can be an advantage of edge computing, however it can also be a problem. Security is dependent on the software, hardware and practices you take to protect your information. A bad security system for your edge network leaves you more open to threats than using the cloud. 

Edge vs Cloud Computing 

Cloud computing is different to edge as the information being processed and stored is done so in a remote data centre location away from the company's own facilities. Edge allos organisations to bring the capabilities of the cloud to their on-premises hardware meaning that they have full control of their technology whilst still utlising the potential of the cloud. 

Edge computing improves the security and privacy of your data. With edge computing, you can store your data on the edge of a network, rather than in one central location. This means it is a lot more difficult for hackers to gain access to sensitive information or steal it from your device. That's because, with edge computing, hackers would need access to numerous points of entry before they could break into any usefully large datasets.  

While edge computing and related applications are complex issues, here at Techbuyer we have the expertise needed to help you navigate those issues to best optimise your organisation’s compute requirements.

How can Edge Computing be Used to Improve Sustainability?

Edge computing uses less power and reduces latency compared to central servers located in cloud data centres. It cuts the volume of data transmitted to and from the cloud and reduces the impact of this traffic on the network. As a result, it also reduces operational costs for cloud service providers (CSPs). 
  
By cutting back data centre usage, energy consumption is also reduced, which in turn improves environmental impact. As well as cutting electric power consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, edge computing can also save money by reducing data centre cooling costs. 

Edge Computing Server Configuration

Techbuyer is a leading company in server configuration and data centre equipment. We provide new and high-quality refurbished technology that can be configured to your company's needs. With our Configure-to-order service and industry expertise, we can configure your ideal edge computing solution designed with your company's structure, needs and budget in mind.

Enquire about the potential of edge and what it can do for you here.